'Secret' technology helps female student with cerebral palsy graduate high school

Công nghệ 'bí mật' giúp nữ sinh bại não tốt nghiệp trung học - Ảnh 1. — Female student Gema Canales - Photo: cmmedia.es

A 16-year-old Spanish girl with cerebral palsy has reached a memorable milestone, passing her high school graduation exam thanks to an eye-tracking device that allows her to write and communicate with her eyes.

Gema Canales suffers from spastic quadriplegia, one of the most severe forms of cerebral palsy. Unable to speak, she uses technology similar to the system used by renowned British physicist Stephen Hawking.

However, instead of controlling it with his cheeks like Mr. Hawking, Gema controls the system with his eyes.

The device Gema is using is an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) device, a product of Irisbond. "Eye tracking technology allows for eye movement to be tracked and interacted with devices such as computers or tablets. In simple terms, the eyes become a computer mouse," said Eduardo Jauregui, CEO and co-founder of Irisbond.

According to Mr. Jauregui, AAC operates on Windows and IpadOS platforms, uses artificial intelligence (AI) and can control any screen or touch device with just a glance, thereby "being compatible with all types of machines, from ATMs to self-driving cars in the future".

“Gema has been a role model and role model since she was very young,” he added. “Not only is she the first girl in Spain to use an AAC device with her eyes, but she has also fought tirelessly for this technology to be normalized and integrated into a regular classroom.”

The ACC device can be used for people diagnosed with cerebral palsy, people who have had a stroke or who lose the ability to speak when waking up from a coma.

According to data from the Spanish Association for the Support of People with Cerebral Palsy, there are about 120,000 people in Spain suffering from this disorder and 80% of them need special assistance for daily activities.

Spain's public health system fully funds technology support tools for students with special communication needs, but "resources for support in the classroom remain limited," Jauregui said.

“What Gema has achieved in her public school shows the huge impact that technology can have when given the right tools and support,” he stressed. “Gema has become an inspiration to those who aspire to achieve the same.”

Technology "energizes" people with will

After graduating from high school, Gema shared that she will dedicate herself to a charity foundation that bears her name and work to help children who do not have the same opportunities as she did.

The Gema Canales Foundation also highlighted the need for more support for students with disabilities beyond compulsory education. “When they enter secondary school, they face a major problem. Because it is not compulsory, the materials, teachers and classes are not adapted, making it impossible for them to access higher or postgraduate education,” the foundation said.

Gema’s story is not only a testament to the power of technology, but also a source of hope for those facing hardships in life. Gema has proven that with the right tools and support, anyone can overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.

Công nghệ 'bí mật' giúp nữ sinh bại não tốt nghiệp trung học - Ảnh 2.

Cerebral palsy girl carries dream of 'white blouse'

At nearly two years old, Lien was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy. She was old enough to go to school but could not hold a pen because her hands were stiff and had no elasticity. She tried very hard to achieve her dream of going to university.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cong-nghe-bi-mat-giup-nu-sinh-bai-nao-tot-nghiep-trung-hoc-20240930170146405.htm