Watch: Short films show how technology can give non-verbal kids with autism a 'voice'
The films show how a simple iPad gave a teen with autism the power to be heard
Meet 16-year-old Dillan Barmache, the new star of tech giant Apple’s two short films about the power of technology. Dillan is non-verbal but with the help of an iPad and its apps, he's finally able to speak by typing out his thoughts. This freed him – and other kids with autism – to express his feelings and converse with his friends and loved ones.
“All my life I wanted so badly to connect with people, but they couldn’t understand because I had no way to communicate,” Dillan says in the video. Later adding, “having a voice has changed everything in my life.”
The real Dillan
He also mentions how not having a way to communicate has hindered people from seeing the real him.
“So many people can’t understand that I have a mind,” he said. “All they can see is a person who is not in control.“
His therapist and communication partner describes how this technology tools for communication 'freed' Dillan.
These films communicate a powerful message and reminds us what Dillan’s mom Tami pointed out, “everyone has to have a voice.”
Truly, she said it best when she said: “Not being able to speak is not the same as not having something to say.”
Back in 2014, Dillan already made waves when he delivered his middle school graduation speech using his iPad.
The short films entitled 'Dillan’s Voice' and 'Dillan’s Path' are part of the moving new campaign, just in time for April, which is Autism Awareness Month.
Aside from these films, Apple has also made various apps, books and podcasts for people with autism available.
READ: Girl with autism makes a simple request after 3 years of complete silence
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