I’m sure that many of you already know, but Apple has done so much for the disabled through their software and other initiatives.

Today, I needed to go into an Apple Store to trade in an old device.  Upon checking in, I was quickly greeted by the employee that was going to help me through the process.  

I wish I had written down the name of the employee, but I didn’t and have since forgotten, but what made this entire process amazing was that the employee was blind.  

The amazing thing was that even though the man couldn’t see, we never had a hiccup.  The employee was able to work through all the processes on his iPod device through all the accessibility features on the device.  

He had one AirPod in his ear and he would swipe through the screen to see what was being asked.  He would ask me questions and input the information without a hitch.  

I was shocked at myself for being so shocked. 

But I don’t feel like this is a common practice for a retail store, and I love that for Apple this isn’t an issue.

Throughout the entire experience, the employee and I conversed about lots of stuff (mainly Apple devices).  I found out that he was very driven to succeed in life and he wasn’t going to let anyone stop him.  He is currently going to school for programming, and one day hopes to work for Apple on their accessibility team.  

He had told me that he was given so much by Apple before he was an employee and that they do so much to help the blind and others that have a disability, that he wanted to give back.

I’m also a little jealous that he has entered and won a few writing contest.  

It was an amazing discussion, and I hope that I go back soon and get the chance to work with him again.  Maybe by then, I won’t be so shocked or shy to ask him if I can take a picture with him.  

I’m inspired by the man that helped me today and I hope that I can take something from him and never let anything stand in the way of what I want.  I also love that a company actually cares that much to help those that don’t normally get thought of.  

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