Using the case study of retired football star Steve Gleason, the 60 second ad details how eye tracking software on a Microsoft Surface tablet can be used to by people with severely limited mobility to communicate.
Gleason was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011, and has since lost the mobility of his limbs and the ability to speak. Gleason communicates by focusing his eyes on a tablet computer with software that detects where he is looking. With this, Gleason is able to speak, write and even tweet.
Gleason says in the ad, “Although I am hopeful for a medical cure for ALS, I have always said that, until there is one, technology is my cure.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JObFlEvc-Eg
View this video with closed captions on YouTube.
Gleason uses Tobii Rex eye tracking software on a Microsoft Surface tablet. Media Access Australia’s project manager Dr Scott Hollier sang the Surface’s praises when it was released just over a year ago. Hollier, a screen magnifier user, reviewed the Surface for accessibility and found that, when running on Microsoft Windows 8, it is highly usable for people who need assistive technology. The combination of a touch screen and tactile keyboard, and its affordability makes it a highly attractive option.
With the Super Bowl being watched by over 100 million Americans on TV, the ads are almost as highly anticipated as the game. As reported by ABC News Breakfast, companies pay as much as $US 4 million for a 30 second slot. The promotion of assistive technology on such a prominent platform is bound to have an impact people’s awareness of assistive technology worldwide.
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