This project donates AAC eye-tracking devices to Spanish schools, empowering children with intellectual disabilities to communicate, learn, and achieve greater inclusion.
A project aimed at supporting the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC) in Spanish schools, enabling children with different abilities to communicate, read, interact, and enjoy greater inclusion through this technology.
Each beneficiary school will receive an Oskol device, valued at over €5,000. Thanks to contributions from the IPD Foundation and the collaboration of Amara NZero and Patatas Hijolusa, these devices will be fully donated to the selected schools.
San Sebastián, June 6, 2023. – The IPD Foundation’s core mission is to support special education and ensure that students in these schools have access to tools and resources that promote better integration into today’s society.
In Spain, there are already some autonomous communities that subsidize eye-tracking devices for augmentative and alternative communication through their health and education departments. These systems provide assisted communication, allowing a computer or tablet to be controlled with one’s gaze to communicate and carry out many daily activities. However, in many regions doctors are still unable to prescribe them to families in need, as the public procurement processes that would make this possible have not been launched everywhere.
For this reason, IRISBOND, a pioneer in eye-tracking technologies, in collaboration with the IPD Foundation —whose mission is to support and fund projects for people with intellectual disabilities— are launching the initiative “15 IRISBOND eyetrackers for 15 special education projects.” This initiative aims to promote the adoption of AAC systems in Spanish schools, enabling children with different abilities to communicate, learn, interact, and enjoy greater social inclusion thanks to this technology.
In support of the right to communication, both organizations are launching this project to foster full inclusion in education for children facing communication barriers. Through 15 IRISBOND eyetrackers for 15 special education projects, 15 schools will each have the opportunity to receive an AAC device thanks to their inclusion proposals.
According to Alicia Sedano, Manager of the IPD Foundation: “The launch of this project represents an enormous source of excitement for the IPD Foundation, as it promotes inclusion and support for people with disabilities. We hope to generate a positive impact and contribute to making this technology more accessible for all the families who need it as a fundamental means of communication for their children or relatives. It is a revolutionary technology that will significantly improve the quality of life and integration for those who need it. I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank Amara NZero and Patatas Hijolusa for their contribution to this project, without whose generous support it would not be possible.”
How to apply for one of the devices
Educational centers —both mainstream and special education schools— interested in receiving one of the Oskol devices, valued at more than €5,000, must submit their project application between June 1 and July 31 via the website https://hello.irisbond.com/es/gana-un-oskol-cole. Applications should describe how the device will be used in the school, the project milestones, why the technology is relevant for them, and the expected outcomes.
The selection process will be carried out by five AAC specialists based on notarized criteria, and the winners will be announced in September. During the selection phase, factors such as the proposed project, past initiatives, and the school’s financial resources will be considered. From the jury’s evaluation, a long list will be created. The final 15 winning schools will then be chosen through a viral online voting campaign.
In addition to assigning the eyetracking devices, the implementation of this technology will be monitored throughout the 2023/2024 school year to ensure that the beneficiary schools can make the most of the AAC systems. Each school will also be asked to present their project results before the end of the school year in order to evaluate progress achieved.
For Ainhoa Mendiburu, Head of Education at IRISBOND: “This initiative will strengthen the presence of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems, enabling the children who benefit to develop within an inclusive environment. The collaboration of the IPD Foundation is essential to continue bringing our technology to every child who needs it.”
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