Tobii ATI Supports SCI Research, Treatment at 2012 Working 2 Walk Symposium

BOSTON & IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tobii Assistive Technology Inc., the global leader in eye tracking-enabled augmented communication and assistive technology devices, today announced its sponsorship of the 2012 Working 2 Walk Science & Advocacy Symposium with partners Unite 2 Fight Paralysis and Kennedy-Krieger. The three-day symposium is dedicated to advancing the treatment of spinal cord injury as attendees and sponsors exchange knowledge and research to enhance the quality of life for those affected by spinal cord injuries. The event will be held at the Orange County Airport Hilton in Irvine, Calif., Nov. 1-3.

“Stephen knows firsthand how significant Tobii eye tracking can be to the SCI community and the impact it can have on the lives of those with rehabilitative injuries”

“We are excited to partner with Tobii ATI for this event, as both organizations are dedicated to seeking new ways to improve the lives of those with spinal cord injuries through applied research, technology and, most important, dedication to those with rehabilitative challenges,” said Marilyn Smith, executive director at U2FP. “Tobii’s world-class eye tracking systems provide individuals with disabilities greater independence, enhanced emotional well-being and a sense of control during the difficult transition from injury to recovery.”

Founded in 2005, Unite 2 Fight Paralysis is dedicated to supporting those committed to finding a cure for people with spinal cord injuries. Every year the Working 2 Walk Science & Advocacy Symposium brings together research scientists, practitioners, investors, SCI survivors and family members to collectively share experiences and learn about new research and treatment options as they continue to grow the SCI support community.

One of this year’s special guests will be former BMX rider and X Games gold medalist Stephen Murray, who became a quadriplegic after a biking accident in 2007. At the symposium Murray will meet with fellow attendees to talk about his experiences with SCI, from his initial injury and rehabilitation to his active life now as co-founder of the Athlete Recovery Fund and business owner of his “Stay Strong” apparel line, all of which has been done with the help of his Tobii PCEye assistive technology. Murray attributes his enhanced emotional state and his greater independence and privacy to his Tobii eye tracker.

“I can manage personal matters by myself now with a completely new level of independence — it has changed my life,” said Murray.

“Stephen knows firsthand how significant Tobii eye tracking can be to the SCI community and the impact it can have on the lives of those with rehabilitative injuries,” said Tara Rudnicki, president of Tobii ATI. “With dedicated partners like U2FP and Kennedy-Krieger, we are able to improve the lives of individuals with SCI and advance the diagnosis and treatment options that are made available to them.”

Check out a video of Stephen using his Tobii PCEye.

For a demonstration of Tobii PCEye or for more information, please contact [e-mail], call 800-793-9227 or click here.

About Tobii Assistive Technology Inc.

Tobii Assistive Technology Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tobii Technology, is a leading provider of eye-tracking-based augmented and alternative communication (AAC) devices that help improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by enabling them to communicate, control their environment and gain greater independence through the movement of their eyes. For nearly two decades, Tobii ATI has been helping men, women and children with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), muscular dystrophy and spinal cord injury lead fuller, richer lives. Through its total commitment to serving its customers — individuals, families, doctors and therapists, schools and rehabilitation centers — Tobii ATI has developed a reputation as an innovative, caring, industry thought leader that continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible to deliver the most advanced, effective and empowering communications tools available for a wide array of disabled communities through award-winning eye-tracking and gaze-controlled hardware and software. Tobii is the global leader in eye tracking and gaze interaction. For more information, please visit www.tobiiati.com.

About Unite 2 Fight Paralysis

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis was founded in 2005 to help light the way for those committed to a cure for spinal cord injury. Since then, the Working 2 Walk Science & Advocacy Symposium has annually brought together research scientists, practitioners, investors, spinal cord injury survivors, and family members. The organization is staffed by people who have a personal connection to paralysis, and focuses its time and energy on understanding the science and supporting those who can advance therapies. For more information, please Unite 2 Fight Paralysis’s website at: www.u2fp.org.