Siri is loaded with fun Easter eggs. However, its latest addition — created in collaboration with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation — isn’t flippant or sarcastic like some of the AI assistant’s other one-liners; it’s just good advice.
Ask Siri how to start a conversation with someone with a disability, and she’ll answer, “It’s easy. Just say, ‘Hi.’”
The decision to include the Siri soundbite was prompted by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who today took to Twitter to show his support for CPF and its “Just Say Hi” campaign, which has already been supported by a wide range of celebrities and other boosters.
Inclusion inspires innovation and communication is the key. Start with Hi and take time to learn more #JustSayHi https://t.co/u3x9RTh8QR
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 8, 2015
Richard Ellenson, CEO of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation says that Apple has always promoted the idea of, “inclusion inspiring innovation” as part of its overall mission statement. Nowhere has that been clearer than with Tim Cook’s support for diversity and inclusion, as part of his goal to make Apple a “force for good” in the world.
Ellenson notes that:
“Apple’s involvement in the campaign is terrifically meaningful to our foundation. Frankly, no one has been better able to communicate about how we can express our individuality and also connect with others [than Apple]. The fact that we’ve found a truthful moment that resonates with Apple — and with Tim — encourages us to believe that we have a chance to put a dent in the universe for people with disabilities. And, of course, that’s what we’ve set out to do with Just Say Hi.”
Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in kids, affecting around 1 in 323 kids in the United States. Globally, around 17 million people live with the disorder — while around 15 percent of people have some some form of disability.
Source: Mashable
