National Seating & Mobility (NSM) has signed an agreement with Evergreen Circuits to nationally distribute the Independence Drive eye control wheelchair technology in the United States.
In addition to distributing this new product, NSM Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) have been working in collaboration with Evergreen Circuits, conducting hands-on product trials and providing feedback to be considered for enhancements to better serve clients.
“Since the system debuted this past fall, many of our ATPs have provided feedback supporting specific-use cases for this technology. We are pleased to have this groundbreaking product available for our clients nationwide,” says Bill Mixon, NSM CEO, in a media release.
Evergreen Circuits was founded as a result of a challenge made by former NFL player and ALS patient, Steve Gleason. Due to the progression of his disease, Gleason needed the technology allowing him to drive his wheelchair using just his eyes.
Evergreen Circuits developed the Independence Drive technology in partnership with Gleason’s foundation, Team Gleason, and Jay Smith, CEO of Livid Instruments in Austin, Texas, also an ALS patient. The technology merges a powered wheelchair, tablet computer, and eye-tracking camera into a virtual joystick that powers eye-controlled wheelchair movement.
Team Gleason has purchased a number of units to provide through the foundation for those who have a need for the product, but no funding options. NSM will donate the installation and set-up for these units as needed, the release explains.
“We’ve been thrilled with the support and enthusiasm from NSM about Independence Drive,” states Jay Beavers, Evergreen Circuits CEO.
“The overwhelming interest in the product from ATPs attending the NSM Symposium, and the valuable feedback about the system that followed has been encouraging and exciting. We look forward to continuing to build this partnership as we work to create advancements in technology to change the lives of individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges.”
[Source(s): Evergreen Circuits, Business Wire]