We are hearing tremendous stories from many of you about your eye gaze devices, journeys and hardships in getting them for your girls.
We have put together this page as a resource to help you find out what is out there and how to get it!
[An "eye gaze" device is a type of computer screen that uses infared technology to "read" where the user's eyes are looking -- the user can then use their eyes to control the mouse pointer and access software that "speaks" the words the user looks at.]
Included on this page:
- links to four eye gaze systems
- two Medical Necessity Letter examples
- LOTS of great eye gaze information
TIP! When speaking with insurance companies, use the term “SPEECH GENERATING DEVICE.”
VIDEO RESOURCE: Eyegaze for Education – Women and Girls with Rett Syndrome [presented by Kate Ahern, MS Ed.]
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DEVICES:
from company website: PRC’s newest technology! Setting a new standard for eye-gaze systems. Now you can access your ECO’s full communication & computing power with just your eyes! Powerful two-part system: ECO2 and all its product features, functionality and language options bundled with our new eye-gaze technology.
We’ve listened to your feedback and incorporated new technology to improve ECO performance. The new ECO2 is PRC’s most advanced AAC device and Windows® XP-based computer in one, now with faster processing speed and more computing power for greater communication results.
A dedicated version of ECO2 without the computer capabilities is also available to meet Medicare/Medicaid funding requirements.
*Comes in 5 color options
from company website:
Say it with your eyes
The DynaVox EyeMax System is the newest, most advanced access method available to communicators who use the DynaVox Vmax. It is comprised of two parts: a DynaVox Vmax+/Vmax and a DynaVox EyeMax Accessory. The EyeMax System allows augmented communicators to access their Vmax+/Vmax with a simple blink, or by dwelling on a desired area of the screen.
Any Age and Ability
The EyeMax System can be used by people of all ages and abilities with direct vision in one or both eyes. It provides freedom for limited head movement, so the system never needs to be manually focused. The EyeMax System can be used by individuals with Cerebral Palsy, ALS, spinal cord injuries and many other genetic and degenerative conditions, as well as those:
- Seeking a faster access method than is available with scanning
- Needing customization options
- Wearing contact lenses or glasses
- Using both eyes or a single eye
- Functioning with a degree of controlled head movement
from company website: With the Eyegaze Edge™ people with physical disabilities can do many things with their eyes that they would otherwise do with their hands. Simply by looking at control keys displayed on a computer monitor screen, the user can perform a broad variety of functions including speech synthesis, environmental control, sending emails, browsing the Internet, playing games, typing, and controlling most PC and MAC computers.
Eyetracking systems can enhance the quality of life of a disabled person, his family and his community by broadening his communication, entertainment, learning and productive capacities.
The Eyegaze Edge™ is an FDA- approved communication and control system for people with complex physical disabilities. The system is operated entirely with the eyes. By looking at control keys displayed on a screen, a person can synthesize speech, control his environment (lights, call bells, etc.), type, run computer software, operate a computer mouse, and access the Internet and e-mail. Eyegaze Edge™ Systems are being used to write books, attend school and enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities all over the world.
[In addition to the MyTobii P10, check out the C12 and the C15]
from company website: MyTobii P10 is a portable eye-controlled communication device. Everything, including a 15” screen, eye control device and computer, is integrated into one unit. Just connect to a power source, such as a wall socket, power wheelchair or separate battery. The device can be mounted for use at a desk, on a wheelchair, in bed or anywhere suitable for the user.
The eye tracker doesn’t need the user to “do” or “wear” anything. Simply sit in front of it, follow a dot during a 10-second calibration and you are on your way! With flexible mounting, easy customization and different hardware options, every situation is catered to.
- Reliable tracking
- No undue restraint on head movements
- Tracks nearly everyone, even those with glasses or contacts
- Works in most lighting conditions
- Compensates for large head movements without errors
- Very high accuracy
MyTobii can be relied upon to keep working. MyTobii will operate accurately regardless of glasses, contacts, and eye color or light conditions. With MyTobii, those with uncontrolled head movements can use eye control for the first time. Tobii’s unique ability to deal with large head movements opens up eye control to user groups who have been unable to use other systems.
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Successful Medical Necessity Letters
Here are two successful letters from Doctors that were used to obtain devices. You are free to use these to your advantage. Send them to your caseworkers, doctors, and therapists to assist them in what is needed to write a successful letter.
Funding Sources
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Helpful Links
The Center for ACC & Autism: LAMP – Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) is a therapeutic approach based on neurological and motor learning principles. The goal is to give individuals who are nonverbal or have limited verbal abilities a method of independently and spontaneously expressing themselves in any setting.
We believe that our girls could really benefit from making sure their boards, etc were setup with their struggles with apraxia as a priority.
