BUSINESS NEWS | 15 Mar
When Robert Chappell was diagnosed with Repetitive Strain Injury from constantly typing, he looked for any way to communicate and continue his work as a software engineer. He purchased Dragon Naturally Speaking, a voice notation software. It helped him at first, but eventually, he lost his voice due to overuse. He looked for an eye-tracking device, but it moved slow, required two computers and used an outdated system.
Chappell invented the first eye tracking mouse that moved like a traditional hand mouse and started Mesa-based company EyeTech Digital Systems in 1996. Two years later, the company exhibited its product at a technology conference. Overseas attendees displayed an interest in the company because it could improve the lives of people with ALS — a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells and the spinal cord. Many of those diagnosed with ALS lose control over their muscles, including their vocal cords.
So the company that started with one man’s invention expanded globally. Now, the company helps people with various disabilities in more than 30 countries with more than 10,000 users worldwide.
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