success; they represent freedom. Anything that lowers the bar- rier to autonomy and gives people the ability to move through the world on their own terms is deeply meaningful. That impact comes through clearly in how users and caregivers describe the difference Ability Drive® makes in their daily routines. I often hear from caregivers and family members as well, who appreciate what it means to have one less task to manage. When someone can reposition themselves or navigate their home without asking for help, it’s not just a technical win; it’s a mean- ingful shift in daily dynamics. It lightens the caregiver’s responsi- bilities and restores a sense of independence, comfort, and per- sonal agency for the user. These moments may seem small, but they add up to a substantial improvement in quality of life. Most of us take for granted how often we shift in our chairs or change posture throughout the day. For our users, being able to do that with their eyes brings back a feeling of normalcy and self-direc- tion, something many of us never have to think twice about. FACING COMPLEXITY, DELIVERING INDEPENDENCE Ability Drive® represents more than just a technological inno- vation, it’s a tool that restores independence, dignity, and choice to individuals with severe physical disabilities. By enabling users to control their power wheelchair with their eyes, Ability Drive® opens a path to greater mobility, self-determination, and partic- ipation in daily life and work. Developing and supporting a solution like Ability Drive® comes with significant challenges. Integrating an app with vari- ous eye-gaze devices, each with its own hardware, software, and calibration systems, requires extensive coordination and test- ing. The diversity of power wheelchair models, configurations, and alternative drive inputs adds yet another layer of variabili- ty. Working in the accessibility space means confronting these challenges head-on, often tailoring solutions to meet highly individualized needs. But it is precisely this complexity that makes the success of Ability Drive® so impactful. Every system delivered, every configuration solved, and every user who gains independence reflects the dedication behind the product. Despite these challenges, the system’s design prioritizes safe- ty, ease of use, and compatibility, backed by a rigorous testing process and personalized support from experienced distrib- utors. Whether a user is navigating independently for the first time or regaining mobility after years of dependence, Ability Drive® helps make those moments possible. COST, ACCESS, AND FUNDING The Ability Drive® hardware interface (ADT), which includes access to the app, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $8,600. A complete system also requires a compatible eye-gaze device, mounting hardware, and a Class 3 powered wheelchair capable of alternative drive controls. To request a trial or purchase the system, individuals and clinicians should contact an authorized distributor listed at www.tolttechnologies.com.
Ability Drive® may qualify for reimbursement through insur- ance, disability grants, or nonprofit programs. Funding eligibil- ity varies by location and insurance provider, so we encourage clinicians and ATPs to explore local resources. Tolt Technologies is a woman-owned company committed to advancing indepen- dence through socially motivated innovation. With U.S.-based technical support and a focus on continuity of care, we’re proud to stand behind a solution that is helping people reclaim mobili- ty, dignity, and control, one eye movement at a time. REFERENCES: Andrich, R., Caracciolo, A., Rossi, S., & Spadaro, L. (2013). The role of assistive technology in supporting the mobility of people with severe disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 8 (5), 393–400. https://doi.org/10.3109/17483107.2012.759636 Ates, S., Tuncer, S., Kose, H., & Akin, H. L. (2021). An eye-gaze controlled wheelchair with dynamic speed and direction adjustment. Assistive Technology, 33 (6), 361–369. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2019.1676767 Borg, J., Smith, E., & Lindström, A. (2021). Assistive technology use is associated with lower age and better health in people with mobility impairments in three UK NHS Trusts. BMC Health Services Research, 21 , 878. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06863-1 Elliott, M. A., Malvar, H., Maassel, L. L., Campbell, J., Kulkarni, H., Spiridonova, I., ... & Scanlan, J. M. (2019). Eye-controlled power wheelchair performs well for ALS patients. Muscle & Nerve, 60 (4), 393–399. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.26655 Fehr, L., Langbein, W. E., & Skaar, S. B. (2000). Adequacy of power wheelchair control interfaces for persons with severe disabilities: A clinical survey. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 37 (3), 353–360. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10917267/ Jones, B., Miller, S., & Green, T. (2012). The impact of dependence in activities of daily living on caregiver strain. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 49 (7), 1029–1038. Majaranta, P., & Räihä, K. J. (2002). Twenty years of eye typing: Systems and design issues. Proceedings of the 2002 Symposium on Eye Tracking Research & Applications , 15–22. https://doi.org/10.1145/507072.507076
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