According to a press release by the ALS Association, the EyeCanDo app for the iPhone is designed to greatly reduce the burden of ALS for both patients and caregivers, by enabling patients to control smart home devices, write messages, and listen to music, among other things, using only their eyes.  Now that my ALS has progressed to the point where I can no longer use my hands, I am learning to use this to communicate!

Here’s how it works – eye tracking uses the built-in, front-facing camera on my iPhone. For the best results, I have to make sure that the camera has a clear view of my face and that my face is adequately lit. The iPhone should be on a stable surface about a foot and a half away from my face and I will need a bit of help to get me all set up.

An onscreen pointer follows the movement of my eyes, and when I look at an item and hold my gaze steady, or dwell, I can perform an action, such as a tap much like any of you might do to open a message or send a message.  Cool, ‘eh!

I wanted to post this update on my blog spot and let you know that this is something new for me an! Perhaps one day, you will receive a message from me once I have perfected this skill.