A brain-computer interface lets children with disabilities control toys and devices using only their thoughts, offering new freedom and emotional breakthroughs.
Breakthrough Tech Reaches Ontario Kids
In a remarkable leap forward for pediatric therapy, children with disabilities in Ontario are now gaining control over their environment using only their thoughts. At the heart of this innovation is brain-computer interface (BCI) technology — a once-futuristic concept now delivering real-world impact.
For 10-year-old Irelynn, who is non-verbal and has limited mobility, the technology means she can activate a toy to play music simply by thinking about clapping. “She has taught software to recognize a particular command thought,” said Susannah Van Damme, an occupational therapist leading the program at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto.
Expanding Access Across the Province
The John McGivney Children’s Centre in Windsor, Ont., is among the first facilities beyond Toronto to adopt the cutting-edge system. This expansion is fueled by a $30 million donation from the Slaight Family Foundation, intended to spread the benefits of BCI to children across Ontario.
Van Damme, along with a team of clinicians, recently visited Windsor to train staff and introduce the device to local children. The goal: to offer children with severe physical challenges new tools for play, interaction, and expression.
Emotional Firsts for Families and Therapists
The technology is more than functional—it’s deeply emotional. Jodi Fischer, manager of occupational and physiotherapy at the McGivney centre, described watching a long-time client use BCI to throw a ball. “It is very emotional, and we’ve seen that time and time again in different demos,” she said.
Such moments are life-changing for families. Irelynn’s father, Jeff, said seeing her engage with the world through thought alone has been transformative. Diagnosed with STXBP1 disorder, a rare genetic condition, Irelynn previously had limited means of interaction. “It just shows that children are capable of so much more than what we really know,” Jeff said.
How the Technology Works
BCI works by translating brain signals into digital commands. Children wear a headset fitted with multiple saline-soaked sensors that detect electrical activity through the scalp. These signals are then interpreted by software trained to recognize specific thought patterns — such as imagining clapping — and used to trigger actions like activating a toy or launching a ball.
Fitting the headset requires precision. “We have to move hair around, make sure every electrode is making good contact,” said Van Damme. Although designed for adults, the current system is adaptable, and future models may be tailored specifically for pediatric use.
A New Horizon for Pediatric Care
The use of BCI in therapeutic settings is still in its early stages, but the potential is undeniable. Originally developed through decades of research at Holland Bloorview, the system is now finding real-world application beyond the lab.
“We’re giving them a tool they didn’t know was possible,” said Fischer. While the setup may take time and patience, the outcomes are already inspiring a new vision for inclusive technology and rehabilitation.
As development continues, therapists and families alike are hopeful about what comes next. With more funding and awareness, BCI could soon be a staple in pediatric care centres nationwide. For now, it is already reshaping lives — one thought at a time.
