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Friendship, when rooted in mutual respect and shared vision, can become a powerful force for change. This is the foundation of All Access Life, created by Dan and Brad, a duo whose bond transcends roles and titles. When Brad, a young man with non-verbal spastic cerebral palsy and complex communication needs, entered a mainstream high school in Grade 7, Dan became his integration aide. What began as a student and aide relationship evolved into a lasting partnership that now drives one of the most impactful platforms in the world of accessibility advocacy. Through humour, honesty and hands-on demonstrations of assistive technology, their work challenges outdated perceptions of disability and promotes a more inclusive digital landscape. All Access Life demonstrates connection, driven by friendship and powered by purpose.
Let’s rewind. 15 years ago, when Brad entered mainstream school, communication for him was a lengthy, arduous process. Armed with head switches and a communication device that was probably the size of a microwave, everything took longer. Brad had to move his head left and right to navigate his screen. Sending a basic message meant effort, patience and literally, sweat. Fast forward to now. Brad’s communication device powered by eye-tracking technology, lets him type, scroll, swipe, unlock doors and even start the office vacuum robot just by looking.
He uses the TD Pilot by Tobii Dynavox. It’s an iPad in beast mode, sitting inside a case equipped with high-precision eye-tracking sensors. Brad controls it using a feature called Dwell, which activates commands after staring at a button for a set time. Sounds cool? It is. He’s running smart home devices, gaming apps, messaging, choosing playlists, having conversations, all using only his eyes. That’s digital accessibility at its most jaw-dropping.
What really is All Access Life, you might ask? Well, one might quickly say, a tech review website and YouTube channel. But it definitely isn’t just your usual tech review show. It’s more reality show, part assistive device demo, part stand-up comedy. One video might feature Brad controlling the mop robot like a boss, another could show him feeding Dan using a robotic feeder just for laughs. The beauty of it is that these are actually everyday examples of what happens when accessible design meets actual lived experience. And the magic isn’t just in the gadgets either. It’s in their energy, friendship and unfiltered joy of working together. The kind that makes even the most intimidating adaptive technology feel, well, fun. And it’s all about showcasing what technology can do for people with disabilities.
Real Representation
But they’re not just posting videos from the comfort of their office for fun. They actually go out there because Brad’s not here to be your inspiration poster boy. He’s the real deal: mentoring kids on how to use their AAC devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), running consultations, doing presentations in schools, training families, answering comments on social media and rolling into conferences like the VIP he is. And when they’re online? Brad replies to nearly all the comments himself. Yes, really. People are often stunned, assuming Dan’s the one behind the keyboard. But no. Brad signs off every time. Loud and clear.
Let’s face it, disability representation in media has had a pretty limp handshake. Too few people with disabilities actually hold the mic but All Access Life flips that. They bring lived experience and digital skill together in one giant content volcano and the person with the disability is holding the mic. They’re not waiting for a big brand to hand them the spotlight either. Instead, they’ve built their own. And when they speak at events such as at the recent Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, they showed. Brad’s screen was projected live and everyone watched as he typed in real-time using nothing but his eyes. This is tech in action and it blows the mind.
Practical applications
Dan and Brad’s videos showcase how everyday smart home products: locks, lights, speakers, vacuums, can be made accessible with a little creativity and the right tech. They prove that accessible living isn’t niche. It’s normal, possible and can also be exciting.
From adaptive gaming controllers to robotic feeding arms, the products Brad and Dan feature are picked with purpose. If it’s empowering, inclusive and can improve daily life for someone with a disability, they’re interested. And if it’s not? They’ll say so.
When Dan and Brad got their hands on the Xbox Adaptive Controller, their test of it which was put on their YouTube channel lit up the internet and Dan’s apartment which they wired so lights would flicker each time someone new subscribed. They had only 50 YouTube subscribers at the time but after uploading that review, the video took off unexpectedly. Within days, their once-quiet living room turned into a disco, lights flashing non-stop as views and subscribers poured in. The controller itself, a game-changing device designed for gamers with disabilities, became the launchpad for All Access Life’s growing voice in the world of adaptive gaming and accessible technology.
They’ve even got plans for creating a residential space where people with disabilities can live independently using tech-powered tools to make their own choices: food, care, lighting, music. A place that’s cool, modern and fully accessible. Think of it like a high-tech Airbnb for life, but cooler . . . with robots.
Disability awareness
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Brad and Dan’s work? School visits. When they get to a gym packed with kids, Brad rolls in and owns the room! They show his device, his skills, and the kids go from curious to chanting his name like he’s in a rock band. This is disability awareness in education done right. Not through pity or polite silence, but through fun, engagement and brutal honesty. They answer the awkward questions, bust myths, show what’s possible and in doing that, they’re growing a new generation of allies, ones who’ll never think twice again about someone with a disability or specifically someone who is non-verbal using a communication device.
What’s next for this duo?
A million followers. A company vehicle . . . hello accessible road trips! More inclusive content creation. More school visits. And yes, eventually, that tech-powered living facility.
But for now? It’s Dan and Brad, in their Montreal office, uploading, laughing, consulting, creating and changing perceptions one scroll at a time.
If you’re still wondering what inclusion looks like, stop Googling and watch an All Access Life video. Better yet, leave a comment. Brad will reply.
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