One of the greatest things Apple has done with its technologies in recent years is to give people with disabilities the opportunity to be empowered and self-sufficient. Apple today published a series of videos showing how some of these people use their technologies.

May 18 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and Apple stores around the world will host accessibility sessions so people can learn more about the technologies and features built into Apple products.

Carlos Vasquez

Carlos is the lead singer, drummer and PR manager for his metal band Distartica. Using VoiceOver, with Screen Curtain on iPhone, he can hail a ride, take a photo, and get the word out about his band’s album release while keeping his screen entirely black.

Ian Mackay

Ian is an outdoor and birding enthusiast. With Siri on iPhone, he can play a bird call or chat with a friend via FaceTime, and with Switch Control he is able to capture the perfect waterfall photo.

Meera Phillips

Meera is a teenager who loves soccer and jokes. She uses TouchChat on iPad to talk with her friends and family, and deliver the occasional one-liner.

Andrea Dalzell

Andrea is a nursing student and advocate for the disabled community. She uses Apple Watch to record wheelchair-specific workouts and share her victories with friends.

Patrick Lafayette

Patrick is a DJ and producer with a passion for music and excellent food. With VoiceOver, he has the freedom to express himself in his home studio with Logic Pro X and in the kitchen with TapTapSee.

Shane Rakowski

Shane is a middle school band and choir director who uses Made for iPhone hearing aids in her classroom so she can hear every note.

Todd Stabelfeldt

Todd is the CEO of a technology consulting company and a prominent member of the quadriplegic community. With Siri, Switch Control, and the Home app, he can open his front door, adjust the lights in his house, and queue up a party playlist.