Eyewriter

The Eyewriter from Evan Roth on Vimeo.

The Eyewriter is hardware and software project using openFrameworks, "an open source C++ toolkit for creative coding," that enables a paralyzed person to write and point by using their eye movements as control. It was originally created by Roth for a graffiti artist, by the call of TEMPT. It uses readily available and inexpensive consumer electronics to accomplish an amazing level of control over a computer illustration environment by just moving one's eyes. The software is calibrated to track the dark circle of the user's iris. The user can even remotely paint on buildings by using a projector to shine his work of their walls.

It's amazing what can be overcome with the right application of intellect, know-how, and a little bit of hardware hacking. I'm blessed to be free from any truly inhibiting physical conditions, but it's comforting to know that there are always ways to overcome difficulty and do what you love.