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Give her gift of communication ; LEVEN: Fundraising for special computer for teen [Hull Daily Mail (England)](Hull Daily Mail (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) InShort The parents of a teenager with a rare neurological disorder are looking to raise more than Pounds 11,000 to help their daughter communicate. THE parents of a teenager suffering from a rare neurological disorder are looking to raise more than Pounds 11,000 to help her communicate. Emily Bickerton, 13, suffers from Rett syndrome, meaning she is unable to walk and talk and she has little hand control. Her parents Michael and Jayne believe an Eye Gaze computer - in which a person's eyes play the role of the mouse - would help Emily communicate better and interact with the world around her. The computer costs Pounds 11,300. Mr Bickerton, 41, first heard about the specialist computer when Emily tried it out at Frederick Holmes School in north Hull. He said: "The possibilities are limitless. Anything that's possible with a conventional mouse and keyboard would be available to Emily." The device tracks a person's eyes to determine which part of the computer screen they are looking at. To click the mouse, a user must stare at the same part of the screen for a short time. Mr Bickerton, of Leven, said: "Emily has demonstrated she can already use the Eye Gaze system in a limited way and, with more practice, it will not only improve her communication but may also be able to help her do other things with the computer." In a bid to help raise funds, the East Riding Artists are holding an exhibition and sale of paintings at the Floral Hall in Hor nsea. The Picture This Art with a Heart event takes place everyday from 10am to 4pm until Thursday, June 9. A spokeswoman from the art group said: "Emily is a lovely girl and this computer would have a huge positive impact." Mr Bickerton said: "I feel honoured the group has decided to raise funds for the computer. To help Emily's cause, visit www.emilyscomputer.org (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |