VOCAL EYES
VOCAL EYES Communication system
VOCAL EYES Communication System
In 1996 Jason Becker’s father, artist Gary Becker, inspired by love and desperation for his son, whose speech had become inaudible, invented this elegant, no tech (just a clear board with letters), and intimate communication system which Jason has used ever since for everything from giving instruction on his routine care, correspondence and public speaking, to composing and producing elaborate, complex, and critically acclaimed music. It only requires that caregivers, or those on the receiving end, be familiar with the system, and that the sender’s eye muscles be strong enough to perform the movements. There is no computer, tracker, or device of any kind to get between the sensor and receiver, to malfunction, or to lose battery power.
The Becker family offers the Vocal Eyes system free to all, and has made this tutorial, also freely available here.
If you would like a copy of the practice board on clear plastic, please submit a request:
From Jason Becker
“This is a great and relatively easy and quick way to communicate for people who can’t move their limbs, but their eyes can still move. It is very good if the power (electricity) goes out, or if the “patient” can’t always have a computer right in front of them. For me, (Jason Becker) no computer system works close to as fast as this, especially once you and your caregiver memorize it. It is also better for me because staring at a computer zaps my energy and makes my eyes weak and tired. The human interaction is also very nice.
I continue to write and release new music, do interviews and articles, and say anything I want with this system.
Here is a link to the description of how to use it, a video of my dad and me explaining it, and a place to download the “board.”
http://jasonbeckerguitar.com/eye_communication.html
Vocal Eyes was invented by my father, Gary Becker, when my ALS started making my voice weak. He was worried that I would not be able to communicate my needs or feelings. I think my eyes are still strong because I have used this system since 1997. It is good eye exercise. By now, it is just second nature to all of us. Gary is an artist, poet, amazing father and my first guitar teacher.”