Chailey Heritage School - News and Gallery Multisensory

News and Gallery Multisensory

Visit to the ‘Sensory Guru’

In January 2012 we had a wonderful cross-school outing to the inspiring ‘Sensory Guru’ in Hartfield. We took 6 students, who currently use Eye Gaze technology, from each of the school departments. These students are unable to operate a touch screen or switch system and this revolutionary technology enables them to use their eyes instead to move images, make choices and control applications on computers and on the internet.

Eye Gaze technology tracks the student’s eye positions and the in-built camera tracks the position of their eyes, allowing them to take control. The Sensory Guru has developed a range of eye controlled sensory applications, including the “Magic Carpet”, which is an interactive carpet where moveable images are projected onto the floor and can be controlled by the student looking at a corresponding computer screen with the same images.

One of our students, Becky, from the Preschool and Primary Department, played a football game using her eyes with the computer screen whilst one of the staff tried to compete against her on the Magic Carpet – Becky won! This is wonderful as this technology allows our students to play with their non-disabled friends without being patronized and it gives them a sense of control and reflects their true ability. It also allows them to be in control of their activities, and it’s fun!