On Friday we received our trial demo of the Tobii C15. Complete with CEye Eye Control Module which means that Caleigh can look at the choice she wants on the screen and the eye-gaze system recognizes that choice and says it out loud.
It is also capable of using switch scanning as an accessible method. Right now we are using the eyegaze system and then in a week or two we will try the switch scanning depending on how things are going.
This loaner device is huge. The C15 is the largest in Tobii's line. At this point it is stationary on our dinning room table. Something so big is definitely made for a wheelchair or table mount. They do have smaller devices if we choose to purchase one.
The reason that Tobii is high on my list of must try communication devices is their software. They have 7 different software options and each does something incredible. You can also run more than one software at the same time. Our loaner is running Communicator and LiterAACy. My favorite right now is called LiterAACy. You can check out the link to see why I love it so much, but mainly the awesomeness is due to it's word predication capabilities. It also has fun stuff like a calculator, diary, phone, and an area that Caleigh could save files that she creates. Tobii also uses SymbolStix which are the same images/symbols that Proloquo2Go does. Familiarity is always nice.
So far, 6 days into the our little demo wonderland, Caleigh has successfully selected words and choices a hand full of times. She tells us, after her little sessions with the Tobii, that she likes it, but that it is hard. Even though this is the best eyegaze system we have tried; it's still not perfect. Caleigh's movements make it hard for the system to read her pupils. In fact we are using the demo mode because we haven't been able to calibrate the eyegaze camera to her eyes. Talking with Caleigh's eyes may not be the right route, but we won't know until we try it.
We are allowed to keep the trial Tobii for a little over a month. So I'll update again before we return it.
It is also capable of using switch scanning as an accessible method. Right now we are using the eyegaze system and then in a week or two we will try the switch scanning depending on how things are going.
This loaner device is huge. The C15 is the largest in Tobii's line. At this point it is stationary on our dinning room table. Something so big is definitely made for a wheelchair or table mount. They do have smaller devices if we choose to purchase one.
The reason that Tobii is high on my list of must try communication devices is their software. They have 7 different software options and each does something incredible. You can also run more than one software at the same time. Our loaner is running Communicator and LiterAACy. My favorite right now is called LiterAACy. You can check out the link to see why I love it so much, but mainly the awesomeness is due to it's word predication capabilities. It also has fun stuff like a calculator, diary, phone, and an area that Caleigh could save files that she creates. Tobii also uses SymbolStix which are the same images/symbols that Proloquo2Go does. Familiarity is always nice.
So far, 6 days into the our little demo wonderland, Caleigh has successfully selected words and choices a hand full of times. She tells us, after her little sessions with the Tobii, that she likes it, but that it is hard. Even though this is the best eyegaze system we have tried; it's still not perfect. Caleigh's movements make it hard for the system to read her pupils. In fact we are using the demo mode because we haven't been able to calibrate the eyegaze camera to her eyes. Talking with Caleigh's eyes may not be the right route, but we won't know until we try it.
We are allowed to keep the trial Tobii for a little over a month. So I'll update again before we return it.
8 comments:
This is wonderful! I can't wait to hear what you think of it after a few weeks. Do you mind doing a review on kidz?
I can't help but wonder - if using an eye gaze system is 'therapeutic' for her, as in helping her exercise control of her eye muscles - ? Will it get easier with use? And, can she only have ONE AT communication system? Perhaps a table top version to complete some tasks (and work her eye muscles) and something smaller, more transportable for the laptray. Just asking. Barbara
Thank you for allowing us into your world. We continue to learn so much about communication or any equipment through your blog. What a smart little lady you have.
@Tara - Yes, I would love to do a review on Kidz. Let me know what I would need to do. Definitely need some more time with the Tobii though.
@TherExtras - I think eye gaze is therapeutic. Anytime your training a muscle to do something longer than normal I think that is a good thing. I'm not sure about it getting easier mainly because of Caleigh's dystonia. When she tries to do something really hard her movements become very pronounced. The idea of having two devices is a nice concept. Maybe when Caleigh is a little older. But then there is funding to deal with...
@Cathy - Thanks!
We're using STAP for funding for Wade's Tobii. So, if you wanted two devices, maybe STAP and insurance. Plus, school has to provide a device as well, so there's three options:-) Caleigh's such a whiz! During our demo, Wade played with it for almost 2 hours and never fussed! I love the word prediction too. Can't wait to see how far she comes in a month.
I love to hear about your experiences with different devices. It is so great that you get to trial these devices! Emily should be getting an evaluation for a communication device in Sept. We have talked about eye gaze technology and think that might be the best option. Guess time will tell...
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