Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is the first to use brain computer interface (BCI) in children with disabilities, opening up possibilities for independence, autonomy and interaction with those around them.
Giselle Alnaser flashes a wide smile and raises her hands in excitement as she thinks about the Cookie Monster singing her favourite song.
Holland Bloorview is the first pediatric hospital to use such technology in a clinical setting. It’s a non-invasive system; the headset and its 16 small, felt sensors sit gently against the scalp. The software, called Mindset, was developed at the Bloorview Research Institute’s PRISM Lab with the goal of helping children with severe neuromotor disabilities learn, communicate and play.
“BCI takes out the intermediary. Children can engage directly with the materials. The benefit is feeling mastery in doing something — and being able to do it independently — which we know is really important for self-determination and development of autonomy.” Earlier, she used her thought patterns to activate a bubbler on a sensory cart, smiling in delight as bubbles floated up though the clear, water-filled tube.
When Mirusha Ravindran, a life skills coach at Holland Bloorview, signals Giselle to start ‘C is for Cookie,’ Giselle smiles and a moment later the YouTube video starts to play. “For Cookie Monster, she was super excited,” said Darwish, who describes her daughter as outgoing and someone who looks forward to learning new things. “You don’t see her feeling as though her disability is limiting her. She’s always smiling and excited and trying to move her body whatever way she can, even though she doesn’t have much control.”
Zen, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, is non-verbal and requires assistance for most daily activities. Mudhar said participating in the BCI program has confirmed that his son understands the world around him — and has allowed him to engage with it in ways they didn’t think possible when he was younger.
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