Hanover Highlands second-grader receives Technology Achievement Award
Aidan, a second-grade student at Hanover Highlands Elementary School, was recognized April 20 with a 2017 Technology Achievement Award from Infinitec.
Infinitec is the assistive technology program of UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago. The goal of the awards program is to celebrate the accomplishments of learners with disabilities who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in overcoming challenges and accomplishing personal goals using technology. Aidan was nominated for the award by the District 54 assistive technology team.
Aidan has been using a Tobii I-12 eye gaze augmentative communication device since November 2015. Infrared light from the cameras reflect on the user's eyes which control a mouse cursor on the screen. Aidan's Tobii is calibrated specifically to his eyes and how they move across the screen. By maintaining focus on a target, Aidan's eyes activate a message on a communication board.
The device is customizable, and Aidan can navigate among a variety of pages within the Compass communication software to make requests, comment on activities, interact with friends, share information, ask questions, and more. In addition to core pages containing frequently used vocabulary, which Aidan can use to formulate his own messages, Aidan's Tobii contains pages with language specific to subject areas such as math and reading, and pages devoted to his hobbies and personal interests including music, cars, and the Chicago Cubs. His mother also uploads pictures from family activities, such as a trip to the zoo, so Aidan can share them with others.
The Tobii and related software enable Aidan to communicate more independently than he could with communication systems used previously, Assistive Technology Facilitator Carolyn Gruszeczki said.
"We are able to see Aidan's amazing personality as a result of the eye gaze technology," Gruszeczki wrote in her nomination. "It has given Aidan his voice!"
"Aidan is smiling most of the time, and he often responds to others with a sparkle in his eye, and laughter," teacher Becky Burns wrote in her letter of recommendation. "He especially enjoys his classmates and friends, and is very motivated to communicate so that he can participate in activities."
In addition to the Compass communication software, Aidan also uses a laptop with a variety of software programs and a single switch to access interactive books, activities and videos.
Burns noted in her letter that Aidan's device has allowed him to participate in a variety of educational activities and more effectively demonstrate the knowledge that he has.
"He can be an active participant in his learning," Gruszeczki said.
The District 54 Board of Education also recognized Aidan with an Ambassador for Excellence Award for his accomplishment.