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…

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“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.

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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!!!

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