Changing the channel on a television is about to become a significantly more accessible action thanks to Cox Communications, which recently released a new feature that empowers people with disabilities to control their devices with their eyes. The Accessible Web Remote for Contour provides people with the opportunity to operate their televisions by sight, a godsend for those who have lost fine motor skills due to degenerative conditions or other causes.
Eye-Tracking Technology
Cox is making this web-based remote control a free tool for customers. The device permits integration with other assistive technologies, including eye gaze hardware and software, switch controls, and sip-and-puff systems, which the user controls by gently blowing into a tube.
The device’s invention depended on advances in eye-tracking technology. This cutting-edge field of research helps people living with paraplegia, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to use a wide range of technologies that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.
Working Towards Accessibility and Disability Inclusion
According to the Bureau of Internet Accessibility, around 16% of Americans have difficulties with fine motor physical activities. Cox has spent three years in partnership with advocacy groups to create accessible products, increase awareness and education, and improve processes and procedures focusing on disability inclusion.
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