LIFE-LIMITED children at Zoë’s Place Baby’s Hospice will be able to communicate with their families for the first time thanks to a donation of revolutionary technology.
National children’s charity Lifelites has donated a package of specialist technologies worth £50,000 to the hospice, enabling the youngsters to play games, be creative and communicate with their families – something which many would have found impossible before.
The Eyegaze, which Lifelites has donated to the hospice will allows those with limited mobility to control a computer using just their eyes.
By using the technology, children who struggle to communicate with their family and their carers will beable to do so – often for the first time.
Alongside iPads, cameras and touchscreen computers with software specially designed for children with disabilities, the hospice has also received a Magic Carpet – a portable box which projects images, games and animations on to the floor, a wheelchair or a bed, which children can interact with.
Clare Walton, senior care assistant at Zoë’s Place said: “The Eyegaze equipment will revolutionise the experience that many of our children will have here at Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice.
“It has already been fantastic to see a glimpse of their full potential and it has been wonderful for the parents to witness just what their children are capable of.
“It is incredible for the staff and parents to be able to communicate with the children on a far deeper level than we have been able to without this equipment.
“We are so thrilled to have this and cannot thank everyone enough who made it happen.”
As well as donating the equipment, Lifelites has also agreed to provide the hospice with ongoing technical support and training for staff.
Simone Enefer-Doy, chief executive of Lifelites added: “We are thrilled to be able to provide equipment for the children at Zoë’s Place who have life-limiting, life-threatening and disabling conditions.
“The magical technology we have donated can be used to play, to be creative and communicate, and enrich the lives of these children and their families, for as long as is possible.
“We couldn’t have provided this package if it wasn’t for the generosity of our donors, so for this we are incredibly grateful.”
Lifelites has donated equipment to children’s hospices in the British Isles over the last 16 years, and continues to provide new technology and ongoing support to ensure that children in hospices have unlimited possibilities.
