[February 28, 2006] Inventors offer easier way for disabled people to use computers Tweet (The Star (Sheffield) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)A PAIR of inventors at Barnsley Hospital have made it through to the finals of a regional NHS innovation award for the second year in a row. The design duo from the hospital's unique clinical engineering service are senior clinical scientist Aejaz Zahid and chief technician Graham Newiss. They have been singled out this year for their groundbreaking gadget which enables disabled people to use a computer. Their invention means people who have conditions such as motor neurone disease , muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy or are severely disabled as the result of an accident, can now access and use a computer. "The device is designed for people who have very limited movement and might only be able to use their breath, eyebrow movement or the blink of any eye as controls," said Aejaz. "By using an electronic code similar to Morse Code and which uses a combination of two controls, such as blowing into a tube, moving an eyebrow up, or sipping a tube, we've developed a way for users to navigate their way around a computer. "For years it's been possible to control computers through eye movements, breath and so on, what we've done that's different is to use such control methods to generate a code which speeds up tying and doesn't take up any space on the computer screen." The Barnsley boffins are in the running for a prize of up to GBP2,000 to help turn their innovation into a readily available device. A decision will be made tomorrow. Last year, Aejaz and Graham picked up a highly commended award for their training device to help children with disabilities learn how to use equipment like wheelchairs and computers. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]