Special secret helps a cerebral palsy patient graduate high school

A 16-year-old Spanish girl with cerebral palsy has achieved a memorable milestone by passing her high school graduation exam thanks to an eye-tracking device that allows her to write and communicate with her eyes.

Gema Canales suffers from spastic quadriplegia , one of the most severe forms of cerebral palsy . Unable to speak, she uses technology similar to the system used by famous British physicist Stephen Hawking. However, instead of using her cheeks like Hawking, Gema controls the system with her eyes.

Gema Canales. (Photo: cmmedia.es).

The device Gema is using is an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) device - a product of the company Irisbond. Mr. Eduardo Jauregui, CEO and co-founder of Irisbond, said : ' Eye tracking technology allows the movement of the eyes to be tracked and interacted with devices such as computers or tablets. Simply put, the eyes become the computer mouse.'

According to Mr. Jauregui, AAC works on Windows and IpadOS platforms, uses artificial intelligence (AI) and can control any screen or touch device with just a glance, thereby "being compatible with all types of machines, from ATMs to self-driving cars in the future". He also shared: 'Gema has been an example and a role model since she was very young. Not only is she the first girl in Spain to use an AAC device with her eyes, but she has also fought tirelessly for this technology to be normalized and integrated into a regular classroom'.

The ACC device can be used by people diagnosed with cerebral palsy, those who have suffered a stroke or who have lost the ability to speak when waking up from a coma. According to the Spanish Association for the Support of Cerebral Palsy, there are about 120,000 people in Spain with the disorder and 80% of them need special assistance for daily activities.

According to Mr Jauregui, Spain's public health system fully funds technology support tools for students with special communication needs, but "resources for support in the classroom are still limited." "What Gema has achieved in her public school shows the huge impact that technology can have when given the right tools and support," he stressed . "Gema has become an inspiration for those who want to achieve the same."

After graduating from high school, Gema shared that she will dedicate herself to a charity foundation that bears her name and work to help children who do not have the same opportunities as she did.

The Gema Canales Foundation also highlighted the need for more support for students with disabilities beyond compulsory education. 'When they enter secondary school, they face a major problem. Because it is not compulsory education, the materials, teachers and classes are not adapted, making it impossible for them to access higher or postgraduate education,' the foundation said.

Gema's story is not only a testament to the power of technology, but also a source of hope for those facing hardships in life. Gema has proven that with the right tools and support, anyone can overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.