Changing Lives: Dr. Tom Chau Featured in The Toronto Star
RSI’s Dr. Tom Chau is featured in the June 27 edition of the Toronto Star for his device that has allowed a young girl’s "personality to come to our world".
Maria, 10, has cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder that interferes with the signals passed between her brain and muscles making it difficult for her to speak.
But thanks to a device developed by Dr. Chau at the Bloorview Rehab Centre known as “The Hummer”, Maria is finally able to communicate to the world.
Described in the Toronto Star as a device designed for youth who have complex disabilities but can still make a “hum,” the “Hummer” converts vocal cord vibrations into a digital signal. The message is then fed to a computer that deciphers the noise as if it were a click of a mouse, allowing users like Maria to type words and complete sentences.
Dr. Chau, who is also vice-president of research of Holland Bloorview, has made it his mission in life to invent tools that will help non-verbal kids live more independent lives:
“We believe communication is a fundamental human right.” – Dr. Tom Chau
To read more of Maria’s and Dr. Chau’s story, visit the Toronto Star website.