Through
its subsidiary Lift
Disability Network, Eleos
partners local technology company
Blue
Orb, Inc. to
expand horizons for children with autism.
Expanding
Opportunities through Communication Technology for children
with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
There is no greater sensation than to break through the clouds
and experience the expanse of blue sky. For many children
with autism and their families the freedom of limitless flight
is often elusive, grounded on the runway by neurological differences.
Children with autism are positioned to soar into the open
sky, but the clouds of communication and social interaction
limit their opportunities.
| The
majority of children with autism are visual learners.
As such, the computer which displays a continuum of visual
information is a key conduit for their learning process.
For a child diagnosed with ASD the computer is the vehicle
into the limitless sky of information where he/she can
learn visually through text, pictures, and educational
games. In a world where their peers and siblings interact
and communicate through advanced technology devices such
as computers, PDAs, cell phones, games, and digital music
players, finding innovative visual tools by which children
with autism can communicate through written language is
crucial. |
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The
launching pad to this computerized information atmosphere is
the computer keyboard. However, standard keyboards are very
difficult for a large population of children with autism to
learn and use.
For children with autism, the orbiTouch® Keyless Keyboard,
developed by Blue Orb, Inc., is a new technology that reduces
the distractions that may lead to cognitive confusion resulting
in an inability to use written expression. This ergonomically
designed keyboard alternative eliminates finger motion from
the typing process. Because no finger motion is involved in
operation, it is a viable alternative for users with limited
or diminished fine motor skills. The orbiTouch® has all
of the capabilities of a 128-key computer keyboard and mouse,
but without keys or external mouse. The user types and performs
mouse functions by moving the two domes shown in the attached
illustration.
Freedom
is the ultimate objective for Project Blue Skies. By equipping
children with ASD we are opening an opportunity for these
children and their families to exceed their prior limits and
be elevated to a freedom of exchange. This exchange will give
way to expression and expression will be the winged craft
that will allow these children to soar into the communication
world. As an example, a young adult with autism said after
using the orbiTouch®, “The orbiTouch® is a communications
tool. Since it can enhance my communications, it can help
other people with autism to communicate.”
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