Apr 3, 2008 5:50 pm US/Eastern
Control Computers With Blink Of An Eye
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Local companies showed off their cutting-edge technology to help people with disabilities while at an expo at UMass Thursday.
Scott Putnam got a chance to try out a new device call My Tobii, which was developed by a Dedham company.
Amazingly, it allows people to control a computer with just their eye movements, giving them more independence.
"They're able to control TVs, lights, all those things," said Chris LeBlanc with Tobii Assistive Technology.
And that was just one of the devices being demonstrated at the Assistive Technologies Expo at UMass Boston.
It showcased the latest technology to help people with all kinds of disabilities
"We're talking about independence and leveling the playing field in school so people can participate and work," said Jeff McAuslin with Easter Seals Mass.
Putnam, who has cerebral palsy, uses a special device to communicate. He said he's amazed by all the advances in technology.
"I'm glad to be a part of it," he said.
And even though Putnam can't talk, walk or use his hands.
He says that technology enables him to live on his own and work as a counselor, training others with disabilities, and he's even a disc jockey.
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