Technology for Nicholas

Two weeks ago Nicholas started meeting with Kim, an SLP (Speech and Language Pathologist) at Assistive Technology NW to begin to trial an eye gaze system. This was a much anticipated visit as it took our insurance over four months to finally approve the visits. 

I was happily surprised when Nicholas was able to use the Tobii Eye Gaze system on his very first visit!! The Tobii is a very high tech device with allows Nicholas to use only his eyes to manipulate the screen. The Tobii allows Nicholas to communicate through picture/word screens. He can look at a picture and choose what he would like to do or say. This first photo shows a screen where he could tell Kim how he wanted her to manipulate bubbles. She blew BIG bubbles at his request, stomped on them (which Ella enjoyed helping do too), clapped the bubbles with her hands, and blew the bubbles up and down. 

Later Nicholas played a game where he choose a color on the screen based on a verbal cue from Kim telling him which one to pick. I am happy to report that Nicholas knows his colors quite well!

Nicholas will continue this eye gaze therapy for the next twelve weeks to help him learn how to use the Tobii.  He will learn to use the programs that help him communicate as well as some education games to assist with learning. Eventually, once he learns to use the Tobaii properly, he will be able to access the Internet through it to play online educational games and later when he is older and can read and write he can use the device to correspond via email and can use Microsoft Word to create documents. Isn't that awesome?! A whole new world is opening up for Nicholas, and once again I am absolutely amazed by the capability technology allows our child and many others like him. It will also be a great tool for him to use both at school and at home. Nicholas does have verbal communication, but he can be very difficult to understand as he speaks quickly and does not always enunciate due to his weak muscles. This communicative device will allow Nicholas more freedom in his environment and will help him to effectively communicate his needs and wants. It's a huge step for our sweet boy!