Eye-gaze technology: How we can better support people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities.

Eye-gaze technology is an access method that allows people with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, to control a computer. This can allow people to communicate, to play games, to work and to access the internet independently. One of the main barriers to people acquiring this technology, is lack of awareness of its existence and benefits.

This research project is about helping people who might benefit from eye gaze technology to be empowered with knowledge, so that they can ask the right questions, seek therapy supports for assessments and trials and start their technology journey.

To start, we are asking people with physical disabilities, and their families, carers and teachers, to tell us what they would want to know about this technology, and how they would like this information presented. With this information, we are hoping to create appropriate, relevant and useful resources for our clients, to be shared through the CPA website and associated channels.

Who is eligible to take part?

We are looking for people with physical disabilities (disabilities that affect their ability to move their body or talk), and their caregivers, family members and teachers to complete this survey. Respondents also need to be 16 years of age or older.

Respondents can have a support person assist with completing the survey questions. There is an eye-gaze accessible version of the survey that can be provided on request (so that eye-gaze users can respond independently to the survey questions).

Why should participants get involved?

The survey will only take 15 to 30 minutes and your participation will help us to create relevant and useful resources to help people in the future to learn about eye gaze technology. At the end of the study, if you wish, you can leave contact details to be involved in the creation of these resources.

The closing date for this study is Friday 1 December 11:59pm

For more information, contact:

Dr Petra Karlsson (Senior Research Fellow, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute)

Tel: +61280522061

Email:  PKarlsson@cerebralpalsy.org.au