If you ask people who have witnessed Amanda Anastasia using Camera Mouse to describe the scene, they use words like, "captivating" and "unbelievable." The technology is perfectly suited to the bright nine-year old with a severe neurological condition that prevents her from walking or speaking. When Campus School staff members Marialice Curran and Phil DiMattia visited her in January, they were thrilled with her progress. She is completely at home with the technology, opening and closing programs, and navigating the computer entirely on her own. She also amazed everyone when she used the system to spell out a message inviting her friend Olivia to her grandmother’s house to bake cookies.

Amanda began using Camera Mouse eighteen months ago when her home system was donated by Lou Belli, the father of Tommy Belli, a Camera Mouse user who passed away. Since that time, Amanda’s mom, Samantha Anastasia, has lobbied with the local school district to have the technology integrated into Amanda’s Individual Education Plan. This year, Amanda has started the second grade in a regular classroom. Amanda’s mom explains, “Camera Mouse is so important to Amanda’s learning because it allows her to go in and choose an answer rather than have it given to her. The technology has opened so many doors for education.”

When the B.E.A.T. asked Amanda’s mom what advice she might have for parents of other students with disabilities, Samantha responded, “Get as involved as you can with your child’s education. As parents of children with special needs, we are their strongest advocates – we have to be. We are the constants in their lives. Our role in their education is extremely important.”

Outside of school, Amanda uses Camera Mouse with a number of software programs such as “Reader Rabbit” and “Storybook.” Occasionally she shoots some Aliens and does a little Eye-painting. Also, like many young girls, Amanda likes Barbie games such as “Barbie Magic Hairstyler.”