People with certain neurodegenerative diseases or injuries such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Rett Syndrome frequently experience a loss of motor control and speech, severely impacting their ability to communicate with others. Eye-gaze devices support communication for people experiencing these impairments by tracking eye-movements on a screen to select and vocalize words. It is often difficult to obtain an eye-gaze device off long healthcare waitlists without previous experience using a device. Workshops were created in partnership with Rett Syndrome Society of British Columbia to decrease access barriers to eye-gaze devices. Professionals provided opportunities for people with neurodegenerative diseases to gain experience and knowledge about using eye-gazing devices to improve their chances of getting off waitlists.
UBC Student Project Lead: Tiffany Wai
Community Partner: Rett Syndrome Society of British Columbia
Grant Type: Chapman & Innovation Grant
Year of Publication: 2025
Topic: Accessibility in Eye-Gaze Devices
Keywords: Accessibility, Rett Syndrome, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Eye-Gazing
Population: People with Rett Syndrome and Neurodengerative Diseases