JustBlink is the accessible learning platform from Speak 2 Me.
It brings Speak 2 Me’s practical knowledge of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), eye-gaze access and inclusive learning into a growing collection of browser-based games and interactive activities.
The platform is designed to make learning and computer access more engaging for children and adults with different physical, communication, developmental and learning needs. Activities can be accessed using a mouse, touchscreen or compatible eye-tracking system, depending on the abilities and equipment available to the user.
Accessible Learning Through Play
Play provides a natural opportunity to explore, learn, make choices and understand how actions create results.
For individuals who are beginning to use eye-gaze technology or another computer-access method, conventional online games can be visually overwhelming or require movements that are too precise. JustBlink activities are designed with accessibility in mind, providing simpler and more purposeful opportunities to interact with what appears on the screen.
Activities can be used to support skills such as:
- Visual attention
- Looking towards a target
- Cause-and-effect understanding
- Making choices
- Tracking objects on a screen
- Selecting between options
- Sustaining attention during an activity
- Understanding simple instructions
- Early computer-access skills
- Communication and shared interaction
- Building confidence with eye-gaze technology
Each activity provides a meaningful reason for the user to look, select, respond or participate.
Different Ways to Access JustBlink
JustBlink activities can be used with different access methods.
Depending on the particular activity and the user’s needs, this may include:
- A standard computer mouse
- A laptop trackpad
- A touchscreen
- A compatible eye tracker
- Supported access with a parent, carer, teacher or therapist
This flexibility allows users to explore the platform with the equipment they already have while also creating opportunities to introduce or practise alternative access methods.
A person does not necessarily need an eye tracker to benefit from JustBlink. The activities may also be useful for developing touch, mouse, visual-attention and choice-making skills.
Eye-Gaze Learning and Practice
Learning to use an eye tracker takes practice.
The user must learn that looking at a particular part of the screen can create an action. They may also need to develop visual attention, target selection and an understanding of how to move between different areas of the screen.
JustBlink provides engaging activities through which these skills can be explored. Depending on the user and the selected game, activities may help them practise:
- Looking at a large target
- Moving their gaze between targets
- Choosing between two or more options
- Finding a particular image
- Following an object
- Activating an animation, sound or response
- Maintaining their gaze long enough to make a selection
- Using their eyes intentionally to control an activity
The aim is to make access practice feel rewarding and meaningful rather than repetitive.
Who Can Use JustBlink?
JustBlink is intended for a broad range of users, including children and adults who may benefit from accessible computer activities.
It may be useful for:
- Individuals learning to use eye-gaze technology
- AAC users
- People with physical access difficulties
- Individuals developing cause-and-effect understanding
- Children with developmental or learning differences
- People working on visual-attention or choice-making skills
- Families looking for accessible activities
- Teachers and classroom assistants
- Therapists and therapy practices
- Schools, care centres and community organisations
Activities should be selected according to the individual’s abilities, interests and goals. Not every activity will be appropriate for every user.
Supporting Communication Development
JustBlink can also be incorporated into AAC therapy and communication activities.
A game can create natural reasons for an individual to communicate before, during and after the activity. The user may be encouraged to:
- Choose which activity to play
- Request “more”, “again” or “finished”
- Predict what will happen next
- Comment on what they see
- Indicate whether they like or dislike something
- Take turns with another person
- Answer questions
- Use communication symbols, gestures, speech or an AAC device
- Share an experience with a communication partner
The activity itself becomes a starting point for interaction.
Parents, carers, teachers and therapists can support this by modelling relevant vocabulary, allowing enough response time and recognising all meaningful communication attempts.
Use at Home, School or in Therapy
Because JustBlink is browser-based, it can be incorporated into different environments where suitable equipment and internet access are available.
English and Afrikaans Activities
JustBlink includes activities in English and Afrikaans, helping make accessible digital learning more relevant to South African users.
Custom Accessible Activities
Schools, therapists, organisations and other groups may also approach Speak 2 Me to discuss customised accessible activities.
A custom activity could be developed around a particular learning topic, vocabulary set, language, therapeutic goal or user group. The feasibility, development requirements and costs would be discussed according to the proposed project.
Support for Families and Professionals
Speak 2 Me can assist families, educators and professionals who are unsure how to introduce JustBlink or eye-gaze activities to a user.
Support may include:
- Identifying suitable starting activities
- Exploring an appropriate access method
- Helping the user become familiar with an eye tracker
- Adjusting positioning or screen placement
- Incorporating AAC into the activity
- Showing communication partners how to participate
- Selecting activities that support particular goals
- Troubleshooting basic access difficulties
- Including JustBlink in a broader therapy or learning plan
Where the user is experiencing significant access difficulties, an AAC or access assessment may be recommended.
Accessible Technology With a Purpose
JustBlink is more than a collection of online games. It is an extension of Speak 2 Me’s commitment to helping people communicate, learn and participate through practical, accessible technology.
By creating activities that can be used with eye gaze, touch or a mouse, JustBlink gives more individuals an opportunity to explore digital learning, practise important access skills and experience the satisfaction of independently making something happen.