Tasks that are minor for most people, like making a phone call or pressing a button, can pose major challenges for people with physical disabilities.
On Tuesday, the Comcast store at Center Place demonstrated new technology that will make life a little easier for those with disabilities in our community.
Xfinity X1 Eye Control allows customers with disabilities, such as ALS or spinal cord injuries, to change channels, check sports scores, set recordings and view TV listings.
According to the US Census, roughly one-third of American households have a member with a disability, explained John Lehman, director of government and regulatory affairs for Comcast/NBCUniversal.
“We are on a journey to truly transform the customer experience. Our stores have become much more innovative,” Lehman said. “Comcast is committed to expanding digital literacy for people of all abilities. Making our products more inclusive creates a better experience for everyone.”
X1 Eye Control is a free web-based remote control for tablets and computers that works with gaze systems, Sip-and-Puff switches, and other assistive technologies.
Rich Rutledge, left, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Weld County CEO Terry Adams, right, look on as Hunter Aleman, 24, center, demonstrates Xfinity’s new X1 eye-controlled technology during a demonstration at the Greeley Xfinity Store at Center Place in Greeley, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. The development will allow people to change channels and control their televisions using just their eyes. (Alex McIntyre/[email protected])
To use the X1 system, customers gaze at a button on their tablet or computer, sending a signal to the web-based remote, which then sends a corresponding command to the TV.
To use the eye control remote, you will need an X1 system and an X1 TV, in addition to a tablet or computer. Once your X1 system is set up, a customer service technician will align the system to your eyes.
Leaders and organizations from Weld County and Northern Colorado who work directly with people with disabilities gathered at the store to watch Hunter Aleman, 24, demonstrate the Xfinitiy X1 eye control system.
John Lehman, Xfinity’s senior director of government relations, speaks during a demonstration of Xfinity’s new X1 eye-control technology at the Greeley Xfinity Store at Center Place in Greeley, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. The development will allow people to change channels and control their television using just their eyes. (Alex McIntyre/[email protected])
Aleman demonstrated how to change channels, view the program listings guide and access sports scores.
“It’s amazing, it’s so wonderful,” said Hunter’s mother, Denise Aleman. “Hunter can still use the remote, but when I leave him home alone, a lot of times I just throw it on the couch like a lot of us do, and he’ll keep watching whatever channel it is.
“This will allow him to change the channel himself,” she added.
The technology is cutting edge, but it takes some time to operate as it requires using your eyes.
Participants watch a video demo during Xfinity’s new X1 eye-control technology demo at the Greeley Xfinity Store at Center Place in Greeley, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. The development will allow people to change channels and control their television using just their eyes. (Alex McIntyre/[email protected])
Despite the additional time and patience required to learn how to operate the system, participants were highly impressed with the capabilities of the technology.
“My first thought was how much this technology could improve the lives of people with disabilities and their caregivers,” said Luke Beiner, director of Easterseals Employment Services in Northern Colorado.
Lehmann said the system was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Best Innovations of 2019.
Comcast also has an Accessibility Support Center dedicated to customers with disabilities that can assist customers with a variety of issues, including turning closed captions on or off, requesting a Braille bill, using voice prompts, or requesting a remote with large buttons.
For more information about Xfinity X1 Eye Control or other products and services, visit www.xfinity.com