[Source: The Madison Journal]

Madison third-grader Lianna Bryant received eye tracking hardware about a year ago to help her communicate with others, a challenge for her because of cerebral palsy.

After a few technical issues with the device, a Tobii C12 with CEye, Lianna started using the software in full this school year and teachers say she has turned an academic corner.

“I wish my own kids worked as hard as she does,” said Jenny Fink, Lianna’s full-time aide. “She is about the hardest working student I have ever seen.”

In previous years, instructors would test Lianna by asking her to identify words they were holding on oversized cards in front of her. She now takes multiple-choice exams through her Tobii that are closer to the level of her peers.

“These people are making me work too hard, geez,” the 9-year-old said wryly.

Lianna controls the device with her eyes. A built-in camera follows the reflection of her cornea, allowing her to choose buttons like clicking a mouse, producing audible statements and responses from a home screen displayed on a computer monitor in front of her.

Read the Rest of this Article on the Middletown Journal Website