“Fun Friday”: AT&T Highlights Its Commitment to Inclusion by Featuring a Girl with Cerebral Palsy
by: Debbie Waltz
This month, AT&T released a new television advertisement that includes a child with cerebral palsy. The development occurs after an effort to foster greater inclusivity among their audience. Because of cerebral palsy, Remi Schreiber cannot use her hands or her voice. Still, she ensures her voice is heard. Thanks to a technology called eye- gaze or eye- tracking, she is able to do anything else a first grader can do (only a little bit differently).
This eye-controlled mouse offers a remarkably unique approach to operating your computer, tablet, or communication device. A specialized camera connects to your computer and tracks your gaze to determine your point of focus on the screen. Remi is able to engage in musical activities, converse with others, and socialize with her classmates in her inclusive school setting. It didn’t end there. When AT&T heard about her story, they wanted her to come down for a casting call.
It is Remi’s hope that her account will motivate individuals with disabilities to strive for their goals, irrespective of any limitations they may encounter.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to AT&T for their dedication to enhancing diversity and building relationships. Nonetheless, I believe the campaign could have been broader in scope, instead of only launching during the Masters. Individuals with disabilities express a significant desire for improved and more authentic portrayals across all forms of media. Our goal is to be perceived as contributing members of the wider community. Not just minority group. My hope is that through gradual efforts like these, people will recognize us for who we are as individuals, rather than solely focusing on our disabilities.
We are people to- with the same hopes and dreams as anyone else.
We just want to be included.