Transcript
HABEN GIRMA: I hope to use the technology to help teach others that technology can bridge the gap for people with disabilities, and as internet services open more opportunities for people, we’re going to see more people with disabilities employed and succeeding.
(The President hugs Haben)
HABEN: Thanks for supporting us.
THE PRESIDENT (typing): I couldn’t type a hug.
HABEN: I prefer real hugs to typed hugs.
(Laughter)
(Scene changes to The President speaking at a podium)
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks to the ADA, the places that comprise our shared American life – schools, workplaces, movie theaters, courthouses, buses, baseball stadiums, national parks – they truly belong to everyone.
THE PRESIDENT: Millions of Americans with disabilities had the chance to develop their talents and make their unique contributions to the world, and thanks to them, America is stronger and more vibrant – it is a better country because the ADA – that’s what this law has achieved.
(Scene changes to The President talking to Alice Wong via videoconference robot)
Unidentified: This is Alice Wong.
THE PRESIDENT: Hi Alice. We’re having a great celebration. I want to thank you for your leadership.
ALICE: I’m honored to be here, and I’m honored to be part of this.
THE PRESIDENT: I hope that you know that you’ve got a friend in the White House that’s gonna be fighting every day to continue to make the advancements that we’re talking about.
ALICE: Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for Americans with disabilities.
(Scene changes to The President typing to Haben)
THE PRESIDENT (typing): Hi Haben.
HABEN: Hello, it’s good to meet you. I was chatting with Valerie Jarrott earlier, and we were wondering if you could type as fast as she can.
(Laughter)
THE PRESIDENT (typing): She is much faster.
HABEN: Your typing is pretty good; my dad types with two fingers.
(Laughter)
THE PRESIDENT (typing): I am too.
HABEN: You’re typing with two fingers?
(Laughter)
THE PRESIDENT: I’m gonna type a little faster now – I’m Embarrassed.
(Scene changes to The President talking to Alice)
Unidentified: Alice – show The President what you can do with the machine.
THE PRESIDENT: Alison, you’re gonna move up a little bit here?
ALICE: (inaudible)
THE PRESIDENT: There you go.
THE PRESIDENT (dancing): To the left, to the right.
(Laughter)
THE PRESIDENT: We can do a little dance.
ALICE: Absolutely.
Unidentified: To your left, Alice. There we go.
THE PRESIDENT: How cool was that?
Unidentified: And then right this way.
(Scene changes to The President typing to Haben)
THE PRESIDENT (typing): We are so proud of the leadership you have shown. Your dad must be proud, too. That time I typed with more than two fingers.
(Scene changes to The President speaking at a podium)
THE PRESIDENT: Millions of Americans with disabilities have had the chance to develop their talents and make their unique contributions to the world, and thanks to them, America is stronger and more vibrant – it is a better country because the ADA. That’s what this law has achieved.