Jessica is campaigning to raise funds to provide people like her with assistive technologies such as EyeGaze and iPads with special applications designed to aid communications.
Jessica is a young adult who was born with a rare neurological disorder called Angelman syndrome which causes developmental delay, lack of speech and seizures. It also causes walking and balance disorders affecting her co-ordination and cognitive functions.
Jessica’s mum has had to learn all of her facial expressions and gestures to understand how she is feeling; when she is in pain or hungry or just wants a hug. But it is hard for Jessica to communicate to others.
Jessica tried out the EyeGaze system and, in a short time, she grasped the concept of using her eyes to manipulate the system and understand cause and effect. Using games which are designed to help people communicate, Jessica was able to guide the machine with her eyes to make it “blow bubbles”, play music and draw pictures. For the first time in her life she had some control and was able to find another way to express herself.
Since we launched this campaign, we have raised enough money to provide Jessica with a solution using iPads and Assistive Augmentation Communication (AAC) Software.
But with your support we would like to raise more money so that we can help other people with Angelman syndrome.
So please make a donation now!