Written by Amy Fullmer, Derek’s Mom:

Thinking on our journey with EagleEyes brings my emotions to the surface. I daily feel extremely blessed to have my brother Andy, who placed us in contact with the Opportunity Foundation of America. Our lives will never be the same.

Derek is a five year-old boy with the sweetest disposition and the most beautiful eyes. I do not know what qualified our family as worthy to care for him. Derek has an undiagnosed neurological disorder. This disorder apparently occurred during his fetal development and has rendered Derek unable to control his body. Up until age four, Derek was unable to demonstrate any purposeful action. A grasp of the finger, turn of the head, or a cry due to hunger or hurt were beyond him.

When I was given a folder about the program Boston College had developed entitled EagleEyes, I felt that it was truly amazing but nothing that Derek would be capable of. He had been diagnosed cortically blind and had never exhibited purposeful eye movement. I followed up merely because I was grateful for my brother’s interest in us. I was honestly moving ahead with a “What do we have to lose?” attitude.

I wouldn’t let myself get excited about Derek using EE for the first time. I felt that he would surely fail in the attempt and did not want to hope for fear of being let down. When Derek started drawing a picture on the computer by merely moving his eyes, I was floored. He could do it. It was the very first time that Derek had ever done anything on his own. He then proceeded to play a video game. He shot down 7 out of 10 aliens! I was honestly overwhelmed. This was really happening. My child with zero capabilities was playing computer games?!

As Derek and I made our way home I was very emotional and for the first time felt hope that Derek could become more, regardless of his dysfunctional body. What I didn’t realize was that Derek, during that first EagleEyes trial, had begun to make a connection. He could have some control over his environment. A few nights after our trial I thought I heard Derek making sounds during the night. I went into his room to investigate and he really was making sounds. In fact, he was making sounds to get our attention because he was cold and wet. This may not seem like a significant event to some, but that night was the first time Derek had ever communicated a need of any kind.

Derek has since started smiling, responding by turning his head towards sound, making purposeful eye movements, and displaying the ability to alert us of his needs through sounds or cries.

With funding from the Rodrick Earl Ross Memorial Foundation, OFOA gifted an EagleEyes system to Derek. Debbie Inkley of OFOA has taken such an interest in Derek and has been so understanding and encouraging. We have been introduced to many educational professionals in Utah ranging from Brigham Young University, Oakridge School, Jordan Valley School, and the Murray School District, who have been able to assist us not only in recognizing the extent of what EE can do for Derek, but also providing valuable information to better Derek’s overall education. We have appreciated our association with these loving people so much. Having a disabled child can sometimes feel very isolating, and it is this kind of support that makes it doable.

EagleEyes is fun for Derek and for his older siblings, who enjoy watching Derek save the world from evil aliens. More important, EagleEyes has given us hope. EagleEyes has given us a better life for Derek, one in which he will be able to increase his ability to communicate with us despite having a dysfunctional body.