• by Tanya Gazdik , April 26, 2023

Ford Motor Co. partnered with the "Jennifer Hudson Show" to spotlight a hearing-impaired mother and son who appeared in a recent commercial.

The 30-second spot debuted in February on the "Tonight Show" in February, ahead of the Super Bowl weekend, and was subsequently featured in numerous digital spots on platforms like Hulu. It continues to run selectively as a TV spot.

It features mother Arlene Ngalle and son Darien Lopez to highlight how using BlueCruise hands-free, eyes-on-road driving technology can be life-changing for those who communicate through sign language.  

The spot shows how thanks to BlueCruise, Ngalle was able stay in “Mom Mode” and take her hands off the wheel in order to have a conversation with her son.  

As part of a Ford-sponsored segment, the mother and son appeared on the" "Jennifer Hudson Show," which aired April 26, to discuss their participation in the commercial, which was created by WPP’s VMLY&R.

“Accessibility is really the key,” Ngalle tells Hudson during the segment, via an interpreter. “It’s so inspiring on many different levels.”

Companies often make decisions for people with disabilities without including them in the conversation, but that wasn’t the case with Ford, she says. 

“So asking us, making sure we have accommodations, making sure we we match the vision — everything is aligned in this commercial, and that was really awesome to see,” Ngalle says. “We are appreciative of this experience and the authentic representation.”

The show worked with Ford to give the family a Mustang Mach-E with BlueCruise, which was revealed to them at the end of the segment. 

Ford has a web page dedicated to accessibility. From needs assessment, to vehicle and equipment choice, to financial assistance, the Ford Accessibility Program aims to guide consumers through the vehicle selection and buying process.