At Riverbank Academy, we have a student that accesses eye gaze technology which has a daily positive impact on his independance and learning.
Eye-gaze control technology can be used by children and adults who have significant physical disabilities to be more independent. It uses movements of the eyes to operate a laptop, computer, or speech-generating device. This technology can be used for many purposes, including playing games, accessing learning, and communicating with staff, family, and friends.
The way it works is that an eye-gaze camera tracks the person’s eye movements, which then moves the mouse on a computer screen. The person selects items either by holding their eye-gaze for a certain time, referred to as ‘dwell’, by blinking, or by clicking an external button.
A team approach is adopted to support the communication between the person, their family, specialist therapists, school, and other carers. This is essential for the person to benefit from eye-gaze control technology. Ongoing support from parents, therapists, teachers, carers, and others will be necessary to support the use of eye-gaze control technology to its full potential and in different environments.
A detailed assessment by an occupational therapist with knowledge of assistive technology and eye-gaze control systems is necessary to see if eye-gaze control technology is likely to be the right option for an individual. If so, the therapist will recommend a trial of eye-gaze control technology to work out if it will meet their goals. These goals could include using eye-gaze control technology for communication and completing everyday activities at home, school, in the community or at work. The therapist will then recommend systems and software to suit the person and then assist them to master the device. The therapist will also make sure the person is optimally positioned and comfortably seated, and educate their family, carers, teachers and others in how to use the eye-gaze control system.
Information Source - www.cerebralpalsy.org