NARBE Foundation | News and Updates

NARBE House recently released a full demo of the latest update to Ben’s custom-built accessibility software, and we wanted to give our community a quick overview of what it includes. Ben is non-speaking and has very limited movement due to TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy. Using just two head switches, he independently controls his computer through an AI-developed communication and media system built specifically around two-button access. This update highlights how the system continues to grow alongside him. What the System Allows Ben to Do With two simple head movements, Ben can: Communicate using phrase boards and predictive text Write journal entries Search YouTube and Google images Stream shows and movies Send messages Play a full library of custom-built games The interface is fully customizable. Colors, themes, text-to-speech, and scan settings can all be adjusted to meet individual needs. There is even an autoscan mode for single-button users. One of the most powerful parts of the ...

Big update to   Benny’s Accessibility Hub   🎮✨ NARBE House just added more free games that anyone can try. These games are made to be simple, fun, and accessible. They work with switches, touch screens, keyboard input like space bar and enter, and other adaptive tech if it’s already on your device. These games were created because there is a gap when it comes to free switch access games out there for people with complex needs. The games are designed to reduce overwhelm, use just one or two inputs, and avoid fast reaction timing so players with complex needs can play at their own pace. Some games even include editors so you can create custom versions for the person you’re building for. You can submit your creations too and we may feature them on the hub. You can access Benny's Accessibility Hub through the foundation's website: https://narbefoundation.org/bennyshub/

  We’re honored to have the NARBE Foundation featured on  Reclaiming AI , Chantelle’s Substack publication exploring ethical, human-centered uses of artificial intelligence. The article highlights how our foundation grew from a real caregiving need and how simple, adaptable technology can restore access, autonomy, and joy for people with complex communication and physical disabilities. Through Ben’s journey, the piece shows what’s possible when AI is used to support dignity, independence, and connection rather than efficiency alone. It reflects the heart of our mission: building open, accessible tools that meet people where they are and empower families to create solutions that truly work. Please check out the article here: https://substack.com/inbox/post/182996035?r=6u496x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true&triedRedirect=true If you’re on Substack, a restack helps this story reach more families, caregivers, and builders who care about acc...

We are excited to share that the   NARBE Foundation   has awarded a $1,000 grant to   Switched Toys   to support their ongoing research and development work. At Switched Adapted Toys, their mission is  Making Play Possible . They are dedicated to providing resources, how-to videos, and adapted toys that empower children with disabilities to play, learn, and grow. We are also working together to explore ways to make switches more affordable for families, and we hope to donate hardware kits later this year to further support access to adaptive play. Their work aligns closely with our commitment to accessibility, independence, and joy through technology. We are proud to support the impact they are making. 🔗 Learn more:  https://switchedtoys.org

The Founders of the NARBE Foundation was selected as guest speakers at the 2025 Assistive Technology Conference of New England. This video shares the story of how their family used creativity and AI to give Ben, a nonverbal adult living with TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy, a way to communicate and play again. It all began with a simple question: what do you do when the technology that exists is not enough? Ben has always been joyful, competitive, and playful. As his condition progressed, he gradually lost speech, mobility, and independence. Commercial assistive technology could not keep up. Eye tracking failed due to nystagmus, head tracking was unreliable, and none of the available tools brought him joy. Games had always been Ben’s greatest source of freedom, yet most assistive tools were designed for survival, not happiness. During the pandemic, Ben’s health declined rapidly. That crisis brought the family back together. Nancy and Ari moved across the country, rebuilt Ben’s care, reno...