Oakridge principal Richard Kay was so determined to have the technology at his school that he promised to open his building to other special-needs teachers who want training on EagleEyes. Ruff also has been offered as a resource.

"We're going to try every child in this school — whether they have the physical disability or not," Kay said. He believes Oakridge's 34 students, who range in age from 7 to 21 years, could benefit from EagleEyes because it could supplement speech-therapy.

Students with severe disabilities have been using their eyes and head — sans computer — to communicate for decades. For instance, many are shown two pictures and must indicate which picture expresses their needs or desires.

In the Olivares family, the technology has made 12-year-old Cameron able to communicate better. Cameron attends Jordan Valley and has been using EagleEyes for months.

"At home, he's more clear," said his father, Rick Olivares. "He really makes it clear, 'This is good. This is bad. I don't like this,' through noise."

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E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com