Assistive technology that allows a disabled person to communicate by just using his or her eyes, will soon be available to the clients of The Arc of Palm Beach County, thanks to a local executive and his family, who understand the need all too well.
On November 24, 2015, The Arc staff unveiled The GEO Group Eye Gaze and Speech Center during a formal dedication ceremony at The Courim Center, 1201 North Australian Avenue, Rivera Beach, Florida. The Eye Gaze and Speech Center features the Tobii T15, a state-of-the-art communication device that uses only an individual’s eye gaze to allow people with motor impairments to communicate their wants and needs. The device, which is similar to the technology used by world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, and Center are made possible thanks to a $10,000 Lattner Foundation grant, as well as a $50,000 naming gift from The GEO Group Foundation.
“This amazing technology is calibrated to the specific user, and can be programmed according to his or her level of functional communication,” said The Arc President and CEO Kimberly McCarten. “The availability of this device will enable the students at our Potentials Charter School to communicate in ways never before possible. It is the agency’s hope that these essential services can be expanded in the coming years to assist other members of the community with communication challenges.”
The GEO Group has long been a major philanthropic partner of The Arc of Palm Beach County, supporting events that have allowed The Arc to significantly enhance its fundraising.
“We’re proud to support the Arc of Palm Beach County and its steadfast commitment to improve the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities, and their families, through services, education and advocacy,” said George C. Zoley, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Founder The GEO Group, Inc. “Through our foundation, The GEO Group similarly is committed to making a difference in the lives of people in the communities in which we serve. We’re honored to have this recognition bestowed upon our company and look forward to growing our partnership with The Arc of Palm Beach County.” The relationship was initiated through The GEO Group’s CFO Brian Evans and his wife, Tara, whose daughter, Brenna, was born missing 80 percent of her cerebellum and has cerebral palsy. Brenna began at The Arc’s Potentials Charter School at the age of three in 2006. Now, the family members are The Arc supporters; Tara Evans serves as Secretary on The Arc’s Board of Trustees, and their other children speak publicly on behalf of the needs of the developmentally disabled.
The Arc of Palm Beach County offers an array of programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Through Potentials Charter School, The Arc serves children from Pre-K through fifth grade who are unable to walk or communicate independently when they enroll. ”
