New Web-based Remote Controlled Through Eye Movement

March 12, 2021

In a partnership with Team Gleason, Cox Communications released a web-based remote controlled through eye movement.

The Accessible Web Remote for Contour offers more accessibility and independence to those with disabilities that affect fine motor skills, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease and paraplegia, Cox said in a press release.

The free remote control works using eye gaze hardware and software, switch controls and sip-and-puff systems, which the user controls by blowing into a tube.

Roughly 16% of Americans have difficulty with their physical functioning, according to the Bureau of Internet Accessibility. This makes many things, like using a traditional TV, much more challenging.

“Cox is thankful for our partnership with Steve Gleason as he works to build a more accessible and inclusive world," Senior Vice President and Region Manager of Cox Southeast Anthony Pope said.

Gleason was a Saints safety and special teams contributor from 2000 to 2006 before being diagnosed with ALS, which he publicly revealed in 2011. He has since turned his battle with the disease into a major advocacy effort.

He now leads Team Gleason, an organization devoted to providing resources and opportunities to those living with ALS.

“Innovative technology like this gives people with disabilities an added level of independence,” Gleason said. “We appreciate that companies like Cox continue to empower their users by adopting products like the Accessible Web Remote, which allows every customer to do something most people take for granted, like controlling their TV.”

To access the new feature, Cox customers can visit https://webremote.cox.com.

Source: Nola