As part of our advocacy, #OneAccessibility, we will share information about differently able and profile one location with accessible trails. Look out every week for this enlightening post.
Hello world! We celebrated World Sight Day on October 14th - an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October to bring attention to blindness and visual impairment. In line with this, the One Accessibility team has dedicated this month to highlighting various aids, products, and services to assist with visual impairment. This article is going to circle around augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, specifically with eye-gaze access.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices help provide means of communication for individuals with communications needs. While this device is not limited to those with visual impairment, those with eye-gaze access have proven to be advantageous for those who require it.
How does this work?
Eye-gaze AAC devices have an integrated infrared light source that reflects off the user’s eye. The built-in camera then detects the reflection and calculates where the eye is looking on the screen, after calibrating the system to the user’s eyes.
Who is the device best suited for?
This device is not for individuals with complete blindness as the individual must have enough visual control to scan and screen the word to select it. Therefore, eye-gaze AAC devices are best suited for individuals with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), a decreased visual response due to a neurological problem affecting the visual part of the brain. Long story short, an individual with CVI has damage to the part of the brain that processes vision. Therefore, even though the eye exam or condition may appear normal, individuals often have trouble processing what they see.
As with all assistive technologies, an assessment will need to be conducted to know which one would be best for the individual. Things to consider include:
— Impact of eye
— Sensory environment
— Visual physical positioning
— Impact of motion
— Impact of spacing and object arrangement
— Response interval
— Impact of color
Are you or do you know anyone using an AAC system? What’s been the experience? Share below, let’s discuss!
If you have a question, suggestion, or contribution, feel free to comment below. You can read last week’s roundup article here and check the list of our other articles under "Accessibility Uncovered".
It’s a very interesting topic. I haven’t heard about this kind of devices so far. It’s awesome how the technology can help people in need and make their lives easier. 