Our Programs
We're launching our first initiative to provide life-changing assistive technology to those who need it most. Our pilot program focuses on getting Tobii eye-tracking communication devices to ALS patients across India.
Understanding ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease advances, patients lose the ability to control voluntary muscle movement, including the ability to speak, walk, and eventually breathe.
Despite losing physical abilities, most ALS patients retain full cognitive function—their minds remain sharp and aware. This makes communication essential for maintaining quality of life, autonomy, and connection with loved ones.
Eye-tracking technology represents a breakthrough for ALS patients who have lost the ability to speak or use their hands. These devices track eye movements, allowing patients to select letters, words, and commands on a screen using only their eyes. This restores their ability to communicate, control their environment, access entertainment, and maintain relationships.
Eye Trackers for ALS Patients in India
The Challenge
While eye-tracking devices like Tobii systems have transformed communication for ALS patients in developed countries, they remain largely inaccessible in India due to cost. A complete Tobii system costs approximately $3,500-4,000 USD—far beyond the financial reach of most Indian families dealing with the already overwhelming costs of ALS care.
This creates a devastating reality: patients who could communicate and maintain their independence are instead isolated and dependent, unable to express their needs, thoughts, or feelings to caregivers and family members.
Our Solution
We're launching a pilot program to provide Tobii eye-tracking communication devices to ALS patients in India at no cost to them. We're building a sustainable distribution model that includes not just the device, but also setup, training, and ongoing support.
What Each Patient Receives:
- Complete Tobii eye tracker system with mounting hardware
- Windows tablet or laptop configured for the device
- Communication software with multi-language support
- In-home setup and calibration
- Training for patient and caregivers
- Ongoing technical support and troubleshooting
Cost Breakdown (Per Device):
- Tobii eye tracker unit~$2,000
- Windows device~$800
- Software licenses~$300
- Mounting hardware~$150
- Shipping to India~$200
- Local coordination & training~$100
- Total per patient~$3,550
How Our Process Works
Patient Identification
We're building relationships with ALS care providers, patient advocacy groups, and local coordinators in India who can identify patients in need and refer them to our program.
Device Procurement
Once we receive a referral, we work with Tobii and authorized distributors to purchase the appropriate eye-tracking system and supporting equipment.
Local Coordination
We're working with local coordinators in India to manage logistics, handle customs, and deliver devices to patients' homes.
Setup and Training
Our coordinators set up the device in the patient's home, calibrate it for their specific needs, and train both the patient and their caregivers on how to use it effectively.
Follow-Up and Support
We maintain ongoing contact with patients and caregivers to provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the device continues to meet their needs as the disease progresses.
Building Our Network in India
We're in the early stages of establishing our operations in India. Our approach focuses on building strong, sustainable relationships with local partners who share our mission.
Working With Local Coordinators
We're identifying and partnering with individuals in India who can serve as local coordinators—managing device delivery, setup, and providing hands-on support to patients. These coordinators are essential to ensuring devices are properly installed and patients are trained to use them effectively.
Building Relationships with Providers
We're actively reaching out to ALS care providers, neurologists, patient advocacy groups, and support organizations across India. Our goal is to create a referral network that connects us with patients who could benefit from eye-tracking technology.
Our Commitment to Transparency
We believe in being honest about where we are in our journey. We're not claiming to have established partnerships with major healthcare institutions—we're building those relationships from the ground up. Every connection we make, every coordinator we work with, and every device we deliver brings us closer to creating a sustainable model that can scale to serve more patients.
Our Vision for Growth
Our pilot program is just the beginning. As we learn from our first deployments and build our network in India, we aim to expand our impact in several ways:
Scale our distribution network
Expand to more cities and regions across India, reaching patients in underserved areas where access to assistive technology is most limited.
Develop local expertise
Train more coordinators and build capacity within local communities to support patients with device setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Expand to other conditions
Apply our model to serve patients with other conditions that affect communication, such as locked-in syndrome, cerebral palsy, or stroke.
Explore other assistive technologies
Identify and deploy other proven assistive technologies that can transform lives but remain inaccessible due to cost barriers.
Help Us Get Devices to Patients
Every $3,550 donation enables us to provide a complete eye-tracking system to an ALS patient in India. Your support directly translates to restored communication and renewed independence for someone living with ALS.