NARBE Foundation | News and Updates

When you're just starting to look into assistive technology for a loved one, the options can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? What's worth the money? Is there a way to try something before you buy it? We recently came across a resource that answers a lot of those questions in one place, and we wanted to share it with our community. First, a quick glossary If you're new to this world, you'll run into a lot of acronyms and jargon. Here are some of the most common terms you'll see, both on Explore AT and across the AT space in general: AT (Assistive Technology): Any device, software, or equipment that helps a person with a disability do something they otherwise couldn't, or do it more easily. This can be as simple as a grab bar in a bathroom or as advanced as a speech-generating computer. AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication): Tools and strategies that help people communicate when speech alone isn't enough. AAC can be low-tech, like a ...

February 21, 2026 at 12:30 PM EST, The NARBE Foundation  is hosting a free webinar on Benny’s Accessibility Hub, presented by NARBE House. You will be able to explore the Hub, see how it works, and ask questions live. Please register through Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9cVjjCplShqJDOsiQSBxtg Benny’s Accessibility Hub is a free, open source web app designed for switch access. It can be used with one switch using auto scan, two switches, space bar and enter on a keyboard, or a touchscreen on a tablet or phone. No downloads required or behind any paywalls. The Hub includes a growing library of games and tools that allow users to independently navigate and choose what they want to do using just one or two inputs. To explore the Hub and see the available tools and games, visit our foundation’s website and click “Benny’s Hub” at narbefoundation.org

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 ...

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...