Connect with us

Science & Technology

Jane Velkovski: The life-changing power of assistive technologies | TED

“This chair is my legs — this chair is my life,” says accessibility champion Jane Velkovski, who uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). With clarity and poise, he shares how his first motorized wheelchair empowered him with independence and ability — and why assistive technology should be available to anyone…

Published

on

“This chair is my legs — this chair is my life,” says accessibility champion Jane Velkovski, who uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). With clarity and poise, he shares how his first motorized wheelchair empowered him with independence and ability — and why assistive technology should be available to anyone who needs it. “Freedom of movement, no matter on legs or on wheels, is a human right,” he says.

Visit to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations, personalized talk recommendations and more.

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design — plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. You’re welcome to link to or embed these videos, forward them to others and share these ideas with people you know.

Become a TED Member:
Follow TED on Twitter:
Like TED on Facebook:
Subscribe to our channel:

TED’s videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with our TED Talks Usage Policy (). For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), please submit a Media Request at

Continue Reading
Advertisement
25 Comments

25 Comments

  1. Talib qshi

    February 19, 2022 at 5:21 pm

    OMG he even can’t walk but it seems by his confidence and fully passionate. he is really a champion of football may god give you more strength to forward

  2. Max Teply

    February 19, 2022 at 5:50 pm

    This is spot on. As a blind teenager attending a regular school and surrounded by sighted people, I see firsthand how non-disabled people see people with disabilities. There is a General misunderstanding of people with disabilities because non-disabled people see people with disabilities as less because of the things they can’t do or need help doing. There also is a lack of resources or support for people with disabilities to give them the same opportunities that everyone else gets.

  3. Ligia Sommers

    February 19, 2022 at 5:53 pm

    ????????????????????????????????????????????????❤️‍????✨OMGODNESS so inspiring

  4. Joe Orlando

    February 19, 2022 at 5:56 pm

    Your a hero to many Jane. God bless you.

  5. MistahStephens

    February 19, 2022 at 5:58 pm

    Great video. Great speaker

  6. Tokhir Urazaliyev

    February 19, 2022 at 6:12 pm

    Respect, I admire his determination !

  7. Lee Dongjun

    February 19, 2022 at 6:14 pm

    “And the truth(Science and Technology) shall set you free.” -John 8:32

  8. User

    February 19, 2022 at 6:15 pm

    Labeling us as “disabled” demonstrates a failure to understand that we are not disabled in any way within our own community.

  9. Xenobia Foxclaw

    February 19, 2022 at 6:29 pm

    And the young shall lead the way.

  10. Kathy Johnson

    February 19, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    Wonderful talk! I hope the new mediction is available to you and that it helps you to keep doing all the wonderful things you do! Unfortunately, there are so many that cannot, and this is something that also needs to be available to everyone

  11. Camilla 卡米拉 C.S.

    February 19, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    ????amazing speech????????????????????❤️????????????????????????????????

  12. Lina Leyda

    February 19, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    02.19.22 #janevelkovsky I’m humbled by your courage, strength, resolve, and incredible insight to want to make a difference. I’m certain you will reach public policy makers in governments around the world and I will do my part to re-post and reach out and share to help you make that difference. I admire your courage and strength. God bless you and your family and those with same or similar challenges dear child. Dear YouTubers, let’s help by sharing????

  13. khadim hussain

    February 19, 2022 at 8:35 pm

    Stay safe and blessed ❣️

  14. K O

    February 19, 2022 at 10:45 pm

    This was a great video and it really opened my wiew on the part of physically disabled people. I really do not like the word as what I really want to do is help the people and putting a label on people is just very bad and keeps our mind focused on a sigle path. As a whole group and not only ones as single, I really appreciate how you are able to talk about a disability and give me perspective from your part, that is something I have not understood before and what you really gave me is a multitool. I really appreciate how you think and your wiews, and really this opened my worldwiew in ways no one else ever has done. Thank You!

  15. 平和

    February 19, 2022 at 10:53 pm

    Very powerful!

  16. Vicki Schultz Lund

    February 19, 2022 at 10:53 pm

    I hear you – you are so cool ????????????‍♂️

  17. Никита Фёдоров

    February 19, 2022 at 11:21 pm

    Clever and deep boy ????????????????. Amazing life story

  18. Aylbdr Madison

    February 20, 2022 at 12:52 am

    This kid is a fantastic speaker! So eloquent and mature. Interesting and evocative in speech, gesture, timing, and dynamics. And all of that not even in his first language. Add to that he is intelligent and wise, and promoting wellness for all of human society, by promoting health and happiness for a marginalized group.
    I stand in solidarity with anyone who stands for liberty and justice for everyone !! ❤

  19. Brianna Cooper

    February 20, 2022 at 1:42 am

    As another AT user, thank you for your advocacy. I love your emphasis on interdependence

  20. Romanski

    February 20, 2022 at 4:35 am

    I absolutely agree. The well-being of people should not be dependent on luck or charity.
    Perseverance porn shows “inspirational” stories that are actually a symptom of a dysfunctional system.

  21. Ankita Salunke

    February 20, 2022 at 4:44 am

    Jane Velkovski your words are amazing.

  22. mario kery

    February 20, 2022 at 5:34 am

    We have technology in 2022 that can provide access to everyone and most things. Printing machines and AI and robotics. Dream large my friend. You are able to inspire and encourage greater consideration for all.

  23. Ji Fi-01

    February 20, 2022 at 6:31 am

    Thank you, Jane, for your intellect, message, time, and sharing of your experiences. Well done.

  24. LizBramsen

    February 20, 2022 at 8:18 am

    Jane, you are wonderful! Keep doing it! ❤️❤️❤️

  25. Más Turbo

    February 20, 2022 at 12:21 pm

    God bless this kid!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CNET

SpaceX Catches Starship for the First Time Ending Flight Test 15

SpaceX makes history by catching Starship 42 back on the launch pad in Starbase, Texas. This marks the first ever catch of Starship for SpaceX after a successful deployment of 26 Starlink satellites and 14 orbits around the Earth. Read more about SpaceX Starship on CNET.com SpaceX Attempts History Friday With the First-Ever Double Catch…

Published

on

SpaceX makes history by catching Starship 42 back on the launch pad in Starbase, Texas. This marks the first ever catch of Starship for SpaceX after a successful deployment of 26 Starlink satellites and 14 orbits around the Earth.

Read more about SpaceX Starship on CNET.com
SpaceX Attempts History Friday With the First-Ever Double Catch

Timecode Chapters:
0:00 Intro and Watch Parties
1:24 Ship 42 Re-entry and Flight 15 Overview
2:52 Final Approach and Gulf Divert Gate
4:46 Sonic Boom and Landing Countdown
5:25 Ship Landing Burn and Mechazilla Catch
6:36 Historic Catch Reaction and Wrap-Up

Video Credits:
Producer: Stephen Beacham
Thumbnail Designer: Stephen Beacham

Add CNET as a trusted news source
Never miss a deal again! See CNET’s browser extension 👉
Check out CNET’s Amazon Storefront:
Subscribe to CNET on YouTube:
Follow us on TikTok:
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on Bluesky:
Like us on Facebook:
CNET’s AI Atlas:
Follow us on X:
Visit CNET.com:

#spacex #space #starship #elonmusk #spacenews #spaceexploration

Continue Reading

CNET

Best Headphones and Earbuds to Gift in 2026 (Tested on Loud NYC Streets!)

CNET’s David Carnoy puts top earbuds through a real-world voice-calling test. And ZDNET’s Jada Jones and PCMag’s Eric Zeman pick their favorites, from the Sony WF-1000XM6 to the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. You can find the products mentioned in this video linked below Apple AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation Sony WF-1000XM6 Noise…

Published

on

CNET’s David Carnoy puts top earbuds through a real-world voice-calling test. And ZDNET’s Jada Jones and PCMag’s Eric Zeman pick their favorites, from the Sony WF-1000XM6 to the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

You can find the products mentioned in this video linked below
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation
Sony WF-1000XM6 Noise Cancelling Earbuds (2026 Model)
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless Headphones
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless Earbuds
EarFun Air Pro 4 Noise Canceling Wireless Earbuds
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro (2026)
Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
JLab, Go Pods ANC, True Wireless Earbuds
*CNET may get a commission on these offers

Read more about it on CNET.com
CNET’s Best Wireless Earbuds of 2026
ZDNET’s best earbuds of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
PCMag’s Best Wireless Earbuds for 2026

Timecode Chapters:
0:00 CNET’s David Carnoy Ending the Year a Little Differently
0:24 Voice Calling Test 1 – Airpods Pro 3
0:54 ZDNet’s Jada Jones Gives Her Favorites
3:00 Voice Calling Test 2 – Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5
3:29 PCMag’s Eric Zeman Tells us His Favorites of 2026
6:20 Voice Calling Test 3 – JLab Go Pods ANC
6:47 Voice Calling Test 4 – Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro
7:13 Conclusion – What Do You Think?

Video Credits:
Host: David Carnoy, Jada Jones, Eric Zeman
Scripted by: David Carnoy, Jada Jones, Eric Zeman
Producer: Numi Prasarn
Camera: John Schwartz, Numi Prasarn
Video Editor: Jonathan Angle
Thumbnail Designer: Cole Kan

Add CNET as a trusted news source
Never miss a deal again! See CNET’s browser extension 👉
Check out CNET’s Amazon Storefront:
Subscribe to CNET on YouTube:
Follow us on TikTok:
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on Bluesky:
Like us on Facebook:
CNET’s AI Atlas:
Follow us on X:
Visit CNET.com:

#best #wirelessearbuds #wirelessearphones #earbuds #airpods #appleairpodspro #galaxybuds #noisecancelingheadphones #headphones #wirelessheadphones

Continue Reading

CNET

Smart Kitchen Gadgets of 2026 That Are Actually Worth Your Counter Space

CNET’s JD puts five of the best smart kitchen gadgets of 2026 to the test to see which ones are actually worth your counter space. From plastic-free espresso makers to multipurpose air fryers, find out which tech upgrades deliver real convenience without adding clutter. You can find the products mentioned in this video linked below…

Published

on

CNET’s JD puts five of the best smart kitchen gadgets of 2026 to the test to see which ones are actually worth your counter space. From plastic-free espresso makers to multipurpose air fryers, find out which tech upgrades deliver real convenience without adding clutter.

You can find the products mentioned in this video linked below
Lavazza Tabli
Echo Show 15
Ninja Hydrasense Countertop Water Filter
Magnifique Combo Cooker
Tovala Smart Oven Pro
*CNET may get a commission on these offers

Read more about kitchen tech on CNET.com
The 47 Best Kitchen and Cookware Gifts, All Tested by CNET

Timecode Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:12 Lavazza Tablì Plastic-Free Espresso Maker
1:37 Amazon Echo Show 15 Smart Display
2:51 Ninja HydraSense Countertop Water Filter
4:01 Magnifique Glass Air Fryer & Slow Cooker Combo
5:21 Tovala Smart Oven Pro
7:05 Final Thoughts

Video Credits:
Host: JD Christison
Scripted by: JD Christison
Producer: Owen Poole
Camera: Owen Poole
Video Editor: JD Christison
Thumbnail Designer: Tharon Green

Add CNET as a trusted news source
Never miss a deal again! See CNET’s browser extension 👉
Check out CNET’s Amazon Storefront:
Subscribe to CNET on YouTube:
Follow us on TikTok:
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on Bluesky:
Like us on Facebook:
CNET’s AI Atlas:
Follow us on X:
Visit CNET.com:

#kitchen #kitchengadgets #kitchentips #kitchenhacks #kitchentools #kitchenessentials

Continue Reading

Trending