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Do you use Eye Gaze or Eye Tracker instead of a mouse? Tobii Dynavox, device, tech, interface
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Jan 27, 2026
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#3
Another of my friends responded , "Hi, I don't use any eye devices, I am in a wheelchair and paralyzed from my neck downwards so I cannot use my arms and legs, hands etc.
I use my PC with the help of a stick that is in my mouth. The end of the stick has a thimble on the end that I use to tap the keys on a keyboard, and control my mouse."
Jan 27, 2026
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#5
I was diagnosed with ALS 9 years ago. I also use a Tobii Dynavox to communicate and play chess with the eye gaze device.
The iPhone has an eye tracker incorporated I have used it
Jan 27, 2026
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#7
You have to get the iPhone with iOS 16; I have an old iPhone. I have the iPhone 7.
Jan 28, 2026
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#12
It really is amazing. So many people have various obstacles and each one of you are finding ways to connect and be involved.
Jan 28, 2026
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#14
Can anyone give any tips or tricks? For example to selecting a link, so that you can share it? It seems like a pretty intricate task with an eye gaze tool. Is it simple? Hard to do?
My friend @livewik mentioned this challenge. Would love to hear how you do it!
Thank you!!
Jan 28, 2026
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#15
Lavendar3 wrote:
Can anyone give any tips or tricks? For example to selecting a link, so that you can share it? It seems like a pretty intricate task with an eye gaze tool. Is it simple? Hard to do?
My friend @livewik mentioned this challenge. Would love to hear how you do it!
Thank you!!
Change the dwell time of the click
Feb 13, 2026
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#17
What do you do if your eye gaze system goes down? Has anyone ever heard of Blink Spelling?
@JosephReidNZ told me about a simple way that he can communicate with a person using blinks with a person in the room or on video, I presume.
Feb 14, 2026
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#18
From @JosephReidNZ… Everyone’s situation is different. What works for me might not work for someone else, depending on muscle control, reliability of blinks, support person, setup, and so on.
If my eye gaze device is unavailable, here’s what I personally do to communicate. … my method, not … a universal system.
[Don’t] feel discouraged if it does not suit you, because communication setups are very individual. But if it helps even one person think differently about options, then that would be worthwhile.
Feb 14, 2026
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#19
From @JosephReidNZ… Regarding the blink spelling system, I’m very happy to explain how it works in text. Getting a video of it in action would be quite difficult for me, practically, just in terms of setup and coordination, so it’s unlikely I’ll be able to do that. But I can definitely describe it clearly.
In my case, it works slightly differently from the grouped system some people use. If I blink once, the person starts reciting the alphabet from A. When I double blink, they start from L, or sometimes from M, depending on the person. I personally prefer starting from L. They then go through the letters one by one, and I blink again when they reach the letter I want. That process repeats for each letter in the word. It requires patience and a good rhythm between both people, but once you get use can be helpful.
Feb 14, 2026
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#20
From @JosephReidNZ… If it would help others in similar situations, I’m more than happy to write a fuller explanation in that thread and answer any specific questions. Accessibility tools can look complicated from the outside, but once you break them down, they’re very logical. Thanks again … 😊
Stephen Hawking relied on innovative technologies throughout his life, including the Tobii Dynavox eye-gaze device and speech-to-text tools, which allowed him to express complex ideas despite the challenges of ALS. The eye-tracking technology became a lifeline, enabling him to engage in discussions, contribute to scientific literature, and even enjoy games like chess. A friend of mine, @livewik uses such a device to allow him to enjoy the game of chess.
Collaborating with engineers and scientists, his team refined these advanced communication devices to suit his needs, demonstrating how technology can empower individuals with severe physical limitations to share their thoughts and connect with the world.
Today, chess players with ALS continue to benefit from these advancements, harnessing devices like the Tobii Dynavox and speech-to-text tools to engage with the board and battle it out in strategic matches. One of our friends, a club member, will be courageously playing in the tournament, not using a mouse, but using a similar device used by Stephen Hawking. Our member said he uses this device all the time to help him communicate.
Learn More:
Full Article: https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/honoring-hawking-chess-technology-and-our-als-awareness-tournament
Thank you!