Empowering Bernie’s communication through eye gaze technology
Yooralla's experienced team of therapists, in collaboration with Calvary Health Care and Altus Therapy recently secured a TD Pilot eye gaze device for Bernie.
Yooralla is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disability through collaboration and innovation. A powerful example of this is the recent effort between Yooralla’s experienced team of therapists, Calvary Health Care and Altus Therapy to secure a TD Pilot eye gaze device for Bernie. Thanks to this collaborative effort, Bernie, who is a client living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), now has access to life-changing technology that enables him to communicate with his loved ones in a way that wasn’t possible before.
Yooralla administers the Electronic Communication Devices Scheme (ECDS), a Victorian state government-funded service that subsidises communication devices, software, apps and mounting systems. Through this program, we enabled Bernie to access this cutting-edge assistive technology, helping him stay connected with his loved ones.
Bernie has faced significant challenges with traditional communication methods (such as speaking) as his condition has progressed. However, thanks to the TD Pilot device—specifically designed for Apple users—Bernie now has a way to communicate using his eyes, which act like a computer mouse to navigate the device.
The journey to empower Bernie with the TD Pilot wouldn’t have been possible without the support and guidance of Senior Occupational Therapist Sarah from Calvary Health Care and Speech Pathologist Danica from Altus Therapy. Together, they worked closely with Bernie to help him learn how to use this advanced eye gaze technology, providing him with the tools he needs to continue to express his thoughts, maintain his independence and improve his quality of life.
Image descriptions:
Image 1: Speech Pathologist Danica (left), Bernie (middle) and Senior Occupational Therapist Sarah (right).
Image 2: Senior Occupational Therapist Sarah (bottom left) and Bernie learning to use the TD Pilot device.
Images 3-4: Bernie learning to use the TD Pilot device.
Bernie’s success reflects the growing adoption of assistive technologies like the TD Pilot across Victoria, benefiting not only those with MND but also people with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Cerebral Palsy (CP). The TD Pilot’s seamless integration with Apple products makes it especially valuable for clients who rely on eye gaze technology for communication, enabling them to stay connected with their network when traditional communication methods aren’t suitable for them.
By working together to secure advanced assistive technology like the TD Pilot, Yooralla, Calvary Health Care and Altus Therapy are supporting clients like Bernie live more connected and fulfilling lives. This partnership is just one example of the positive outcomes we can achieve when we unite to support people with disability in accessing the latest innovations in care.
Assistive Technology at Yooralla
Providing support to people with disability of all ages with assistive technology to achieve communication, learning, recreation and daily life goals. We also administer the Electronic Communication Devices Scheme (ECDS).