Paralyzed computer engineer helps develop technology for kids with disabilities

[Kadie]

Paralyzed computer engineer helps develop technology for kids with disabilities
By: Lauren La Rose, The Canadian Press

24/08/2010 3:50 PM

TORONTO - Eric Wan sways his head from side to side and the sound of tinkling ivories radiates throughout the room.

The pace of the melody accelerates in tandem with the rhythm of his movements, as colourful shapes twirl in sync on a monitor.

With each bob of the head, the computer engineering graduate is crafting his own little music composition through a specialized software program he played a role in helping to develop.

The Virtual Music Instrument is among several projects he's been involved with aimed at helping children living with disabilities. The work is being done at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, the largest facility of its kind in Canada.

"There's a lot of kids that are not able to play music just because they're not able to hold the musical instrument," said the 32-year-old Wan. "I think that there's a lot of children who would like to play music through some kind of way, so this is one of the reasons that I'm interested in this project."

more...
http://www.brandonsun.com/lifestyles/breaking-news/paralyzed-computer-engineer-helps-develop-technology-for-kids-with-disabilities-101408334.html?viewAllComments=y


University of Toronto computer engineering grad Eric Wan demonstrates the program he developed to help kids with disabilities at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto Friday, July 30, 2010. Wan relies on a ventilator and has no use of his hands after he was left paralyzed from the neck down at age 18 following a routine vaccination.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

[rucky]

1. I want one!