Surfing specs open net for disabled

Surfing spectacles will improve life for disabled people

Researchers at the University of Ulster, UK, have come up with technology that could bridge the digital divide for disabled people.

A set of customised spectacles, dubbed the Look Device, allow individuals with severe physical impairments to surf the web using just eye movements.

Much research has been put into finding a way of accessing PCs for people who cannot use a keyboard or a mouse.

The glasses have built-in sensors which enable the user to move a PC pointer remotely.

World of possibilities

"As eye movement alone drives the device, its application is suitable for almost any level of neural motor capacity," said designer of the device Jesus Lopez.

For the severely disabled, it could be the first opportunity to take advantage of web browsing, document writing, e-mail and other computer activities.

"It will open up a world of possibilities from both an employment and recreational aspect to individuals who could not previously operate a computer due to physical impairment," said research team leader Dr Chris Nugent.

"We hope that the Look Device will help advance the quality of life for individuals who cannot access computer technology through regular interfaces," he added.