Apple TV documentary All of Us shows iPads enabling inclusive learning at Ruby Bridges Elementary

The documentary focuses on an approach that departs from the common practice of educating students who need additional support because of a disability separately from mainstream students. Conventional thinking holds that including everyone in the same classroom can be disruptive for the majority, but the source reported that Ruby Bridges took a different view. The article said the evidence shows inclusive learning benefits all students academically and socially, rather than acting as a distraction. At the school, all students learn in the general classroom, solving math problems, reading books and singing in music class, while teachers and specialists work closely together in the classroom. The article said the school has no additional funding or staff beyond what it already has and no magic fix. It described a group of educators who decided to stop separating children and trust the power of learning together, calling Ruby Bridges 'a school that breaks the mold' and 'unique, but shouldn't be.'

The report said AAC software on iPads and iPhones has made a large difference for students with severe communication difficulties, helping them interact with teachers and other students. A key discovery, according to the article, is that the AAC apps are useful not only for students with communication challenges but for everyone. Founding Principal Cathi Davis told 9to5Mac that all learners, including those with advanced reading and language skills and those beginning their communication or language journey, show high levels of engagement when they can use the AAC tool to generate, expand or express ideas. She said the tool helps circumvent challenges in motor skills, writing stamina and even anxiety about speaking aloud while overcoming barriers that sometimes appear in the classroom or in life.

Davis also said the approach is 'truly the epitome' of what is meant by 'universal design' and is 'very much a tool for all' compared with almost every other attempt at tools for language, communication and vocabulary in the classroom. The documentary presents evidence that the inclusive approach works for all students, not just those with additional needs, according to the report. A website devoted to the documentary also offers a comprehensive set of video resources aimed at other schools that might want to follow Ruby Bridges Elementary's example. A trailer for the film is available.

Editor's Summary

Apple TV documentary All of Us highlights Ruby Bridges Elementary School, where iPads and iPhones with AAC software help all students learn in the same classroom. According to 9to5Mac, the school uses no extra funding or staff, and its principal and kindergarten teacher received 2025 honors. The film and accompanying online resources present the school as a model for inclusive education.