Samantha Tobii EyeMobile

Samantha is a teen age girl. She loves music, Glee and spelling. Her favorite food is bacon. And Samantha has Rett Syndrome. You can read more about that below. One of the most difficult parts of Rett Syndrome for Samantha is that she is unable to speak. A few years ago Samantha received and learned how to use a specialized speech generating computer that she runs with eye movements. She can now communicate her feelings, wants and needs and do school work. She is finally learning to read and spell! But Samantha's communication system weighs just under seven pounds, not counting the heavy mounting system you need to use it. The computer takes nearly five minutes to boot up. The device is so cumbersome and awkward Samantha is only able to use it at home and school. She can't use it out shopping, in restaurants, at the doctors or even in the car. Luckily there is a solution. The same company that makes Samantha's computer now makes a tablet version! We are fundraising to get Samantha a truly portable, eye tracking based tablet that will allow her to say whatever she wants to say, where ever she wants to say it!  We need 



What is Rett Syndrome?




Imagine the symptoms of autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and anxiety:all in one little girl. Rett syndrome causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor and autonomic function. These can include learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion.

Rett syndrome symptoms appear after an early period of apparently normal or near normal development until six to eighteen months of life, when there is a slowing down or stagnation of skills. A period of regression then follows when she loses communication skills and purposeful use of her hands. Soon, stereotyped hand movements such as handwashing, gait disturbances, and slowing of the normal rate of head growth become apparent. Other problems may include seizures and disorganized breathing patterns while she is awake. In the early years, there may be a period of isolation or withdrawal when she is irritable and cries inconsolably. Over time, motor problems may increase, but in general, irritability lessens and eye contact and communication improve.

https://www.rettsyndrome.org/
"Žhttp://www.rsrt.org