Markus and his Tobii C12

“With the Tobii C12, I feel less disabled. Just being able to be normal in some environments is a big win in itself” – Markus Petersson

Markus Petersson hopes to use his love of IT to help other adults with disabilities to get more out of life - as he has with his Tobii C12.

Twin Markus suffered a lack of oxygen at birth and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, and his whole body is paralyzed apart from his head. To help him overcome his communications difficulties, he got his first PC at the age of ten, and now almost 20 years later technology still plays a major part in his life.

“I can do much more with Tobii C12 than I could with my previous equipment, a system where a computer was controlled with pedals. Now, I can send text messages and emails, surf the web, use Spotify and spend time with family and friends on Facebook, says Markus.

Markus needs round-the-clock care, and uses his eye controlled C12 to stay in touch with his carers via text message and e-mail. “With Tobii C12, we have a faster and more secure way of communicating, as Markus can reach me 24 hours a day via text message,” says Anitra, who is responsible for co-ordinating care for Markus.

After trying out Tobii C12 and a CEye at a trade show, Markus got the go-ahead to receive Tobii’s equipment. In spring 2009, he got his long-awaited Tobii C12, which immediately improved his ability to communicate with the outside world. When he tried Tobii C12 for the first time, his response consisted of one word: “Wow!”

- It was so quick to write and was much better than any other equipment I had tried before.

Markus has his eye controlled Tobii C12 mounted on his wheelchair, so he can quickly and easily use the variety of different programs whenever he wants. “With the Tobii C12, I feel less disabled. Just being able to be normal in some environments is a big win in itself,” says Markus, laughing out loud.

Markus was recently elected to the board of an association for children, youths and adults with disabilities called the FUB. He now helps teach people with developmental disabilities about their rights and how to increase the quality of their lives. He hopes to soon be able to use his Tobii C12 during his lectures.

“I want to work so the FUB appears more open and attracts more members,” says Markus. “I hope to prepare my lectures with Tobii C12 and show what we do in the FUB. At the same time, of course, I will demonstrate how Tobii C12  and eye control works and how the equipment can help other people live a more independent life.”