Eye Tracking Technology

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) clinicians at TVCC have made important contributions to research on eye tracking technology (ETT). 

Eye tracking can be used to access communication software on a communication device. Eye Tracking Technology (ETT) allows users to interact with a computer without the use of a touch screen or mouse. 
 

Key Findings

What does research tells us about using ETT to create communication opportunities?

A team of TVCC clinicians and researchers summarized the literature on ETT for communication. Vessoyan et al. (2023) organized their findings by five principles of AAC, developed by users of AAC themselves (Williams et al., 2008).

Their scoping review shows ETT services are making progress across all five principles:

Principle 1: The time for AAC is now
ETT services are offered at both early ages in development and early stages of recovery

Principle 2: One is never enough
ETT is adopted into a flexible set of communication options, and varies in terms of how and where it is used

Principle 3: My AAC must fit my life
ETT is personalized through assessment, trial, and ongoing customization

Principle 4: AAC must support full participation in all aspects of twenty-first century life
ETT is used to support participation across activities (learning, playing, and communicating)

Principle 5: Nothing about me without me
ETT services are informed from learning directly from the people using the technology 

 

 

Publications

Additional information can be found in the following articles published by TVCC staff and collaborators:

Vessoyan, K., Smart, E., Steckle, G., & McKillop, M. (2023). A scoping review of eye tracking technology for communication: Current progress and next steps. Current Developmental Disorders Reports, 10, 20-39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-023-00271-x

Vessoyan, K., Steckle, G., Easton, B., Nichols, M., Mok Siu, V., & McDougall, J. (2018): Using eye-tracking technology for communication in Rett syndrome: Perceptions of impact. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 34(3), 230-241. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2018.1462848

 

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