Hi everyone. I am new to this site. I am looking for some info and help. There is a boy who attends the elementary school where I work. I didn't know too much about him (this has been my first year to work there) except that he is very sweet, full of smiles loves hot rods and loves to try to sneek up on people and scare them or to be scared!
Anyway, I have since learned he was paralized after an accident when he was 5. He does not have any movement except his eyes, mouth and a little chin movement which I believe drives his wheelchair. I have been told he has a computer to use but the school system does not have the funds for software or hardware to enable him to have any control of his computer. I would love to learn about a way for him to control things, such as turning pages on the screen or selecting answers for questions etc by using his eye movement or maybe his chin (he can not turn his head at all). I am also interested in any games or something similar for this soon to be 2nd grader.
I truly appreciate any help and information. Thank you!!

wermwife,

Without some head movement, limited to only eye movement, the systems out there are not going to be cheap. Here is a link for EyeTech digital systems, they start at about $7500. I'll keep looking for possible alternatives and get back to you as soon as I can.

EyeTech TM2
http://www.eyetechds.com/assistivetech/products/qg2.htm

Best of luck in your quest,

Jerry

Thank you so much!!

I cant't tell where you are from but here in the states a school district saying that they do not have funds is not legal. Under ADA they have to come up with the adaptive equipment period. The parents just need to put pressure on the district and they can sue the individual administrator. The money is available the district just is choosing to spend it on something else.






quote name='wermwife' date='Jun 24 2009, 07:04 PM' post='116318']
Hi everyone. I am new to this site. I am looking for some info and help. There is a boy who attends the elementary school where I work. I didn't know too much about him (this has been my first year to work there) except that he is very sweet, full of smiles loves hot rods and loves to try to sneek up on people and scare them or to be scared!
Anyway, I have since learned he was paralized after an accident when he was 5. He does not have any movement except his eyes, mouth and a little chin movement which I believe drives his wheelchair. I have been told he has a computer to use but the school system does not have the funds for software or hardware to enable him to have any control of his computer. I would love to learn about a way for him to control things, such as turning pages on the screen or selecting answers for questions etc by using his eye movement or maybe his chin (he can not turn his head at all). I am also interested in any games or something similar for this soon to be 2nd grader.
I truly appreciate any help and information. Thank you!!
[/quote]

If you do live in the US, here is a link that you may want to check out: http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/section504.ada.peer.htm

Here are some of the highlights that I got from it.

1: Education reform initiatives, of course, vary from state to state, and sometimes from community to community.

2: In meeting the responsibilities to students with disabilities under Section 504 and Title II of the ADA, school systems must make accommodations and modifications to address the needs of students with disabilities. 5 Making accommodations and modifications means changing the way things are usually done in order to take into account a child's disability-related needs. Examples of accommodations and modifications include modifying rules, policies or practices; removing architectural or communication barriers; or providing aids, services, or assistive technology.

I believe that this is open to a very broad interpretation.

Maybe a solution would be is to find a device that would work, maybe the $7500 suggested above. Find out how much the school system would be willing to help in paying toward the device. Then consider other options for raising the remaining funds. I'm sure you would find an outpouring of generosity for your second grader.

Here are two stories that I have recently heard of that prove the kindness of others.

http://www.txcn.com/sharedcontent/dws/news...n.78442c56.html

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...n1.4bd37cc.html

Best Wishes,

Don

I don't know a lot about this, but aren't there tongue operated joystick contraptions which people use to drive their chairs? And would that not also work for moving around a computer page.

In any case, I think people like Jerry will find the best of whatever is out there.

Best Regards,

Gordon

Thank you for all the additional info!
Still trying to figure it all out, I appreciate your help!