Eye gaze tips from AT Specialists
Across Smartbox, various experts specialise in eye gaze technology. Our teams are out on the road trialling different cameras and setups to find the best solution, while our Support Team help AAC users troubleshoot queries and find solutions for specific issues they are facing. We asked our assistive technology specialists to share their expertise and top tips for setting up and using eye gaze: ”Always be sure that the eye gaze device is set square to the AAC user’s face – meaning they are both in the same plane. Lots of people will spend all kinds of time getting the distance between the person and the device just right while forgetting that the angle of the device should be perpendicular with their face. This is particularly relevant when a person is seated at an angle or is reclined or laying in bed and can hugely affect performance.” – Chris, SLP (SVP Clinical Education, US) ”It’s easy to get caught up in making teeny tiny adjustments while working on positioning with eye gaze, but sometimes it can be more useful to take a big step back, move the mount completely and start fresh with a different perspective.” – Amanda, SLP (Product Specialist OR & SW Washington, US) ”From a support perspective, getting positioning right is key to having the best chance of eye gaze success. In addition to standard positioning guides, some cameras also offer a video feed which can be invaluable, but even using the device webcam can be just as useful. You can use the video feed to check positioning and look out for unwanted additional reflections or glare on glasses. Once we have good positioning, get a fresh calibration and hopefully you’ll see a marked improvement!” – Dave (Senior AT Support Specialist, UK) You can find the video feed from the settings menu in Grid – Settings – Access – Eye Gaze (You can also add the command ‘Eye gaze monitor display’ onto a grid with the eye gaze monitor cell). Use a ‘step through’ calibration if the user is easily distractible or if they find holding their position difficult for the length of a calibration. This allows the communication partner to tap the screen or press a key to move to the next calibration point when the user is ready. – Jay (AT Specialist, UK) ”I think the biggest key, and it’s the same with any AAC system is to focus on the outcome rather than the technology. Use encouraging responses like ‘Let’s pop those bubbles’ or ‘Show me what you’re going to choose’, rather than simply telling them to ‘Look at the right corner’ etc. The outcome is key, as this is what will lead to stimulation and a sense of the individual making a decision and causing something to happen around them.” – Becky, SLT (Clinical AAC Specialist, UK) Explore even more ways to support user success, including positioning the device and other personalisation. If you’re not already on Smartbox Academy, it’s free to sign up and access a range of AT and AAC courses.
Angle the device correctly
Embrace making big adjustments
Use the video feed feature
Manual calibration
Focus on the outcome
Learn more with the free ‘Eye Gaze Basics’ course on Smartbox Academy