Storm Smith, ’10, directs “Everyone Can Code” ASL videos with collaboration between Apple, BBDO

Collaboration Between BBDO and Apple

Storm Smith, ’10, art director of BBDO Worldwide, took part in a collaborative project between BBDO and Apple, in which seven American Sign Language (ASL) videos were developed to explain how to code in SWIFT, a new programming language introduced by Apple in 2014. Smith directed, filmed, and produced the videos, collaborating with Janette Barrios, Apple accessibility marketing and community manager.

Timothy Kettering, E-’98, and Will Johansson, software engineers with Lyft, translated the coding instructions into ASL. You can view the videos here: https://developer.apple.com/asl-videos.

“It was such an amazing feeling to be invited by Apple to lead such a vital project that would transform coding and finally make it accessible,” said Smith. “This is a big boon for the community, especially rewarding young kids by having them learn how to code.”

“I was excited to be given the opportunity by Apple to be part of this video series,” said Kettering. “I think it is great that deaf people can have some access to learning materials presented in their own language from native signers. I have received news from educators at California School for the Deaf, Fremont (CSDF), that they have used the videos, along with some educational materials, in their STEM program. So I am really happy to see that our videos are being used already.

“It is my hope that this will be well received by the community, and that the community gives feedback to Apple so that they would consider making more videos on more advanced topics and to expand on current offerings.”

Tim Cook, Apple CEO, noted as such during a press release in May 2018 when he and Nyle DiMarco, ’13, introduced SWIFT Playgrounds to students at CSDF.

“Apple’s mission is to make products as accessible as possible,” said Cook. “We created Everyone Can Code because we believe all students deserve an opportunity to learn the language of technology. We hope to bring Everyone Can Code to even more schools around the world serving students with disabilities.”