Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre becomes first in Quebec to use Brain-Computer Interface Technology
By Melina Giubilaro, Rehabilitation Communications Specialist
Imagine a child with a severe disability who’s able to dribble a basketball by using their mind. Or another who can activate YouTube videos just by thinking about it.
These eye-opening achievements are now possible thanks to a program put into place last fall by the Rehabilitation team in Specialized Schools at the Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre.
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology translates brain activity into computer commands, offering children and youth with severe physical disabilities the ability to play, explore, learn to communicate and interact independently.
“This is more than just technology,” says Emily Lecker, Program Manager for the Rehabilitation Program in Specialized Schools.
“It’s about giving children the ability to express themselves, explore their world, and feel in control of their lives for the first time.”
Emily Lecker
Ms. Lecker was inspired by the new technology during a visit last summer to the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto.
“We watched a child who, by thinking an active thought, was able to activate a toy drum set,” Ms. Lecker recalled. “When they shifted to a quiet thought, the drumming stopped. It was incredible to witness the power of cause and effect in real time, without the need for any motor control.”
Holland Bloorview’s Clinical BCI Program pioneered the system, which enables children to control external devices—such as bubble machines, video games or motorized platforms—using just their thoughts.
The technology uses a headset that detects brain activity patterns associated with specific thoughts, like jumping or moving. These patterns are then translated into commands that control devices.
For children with little to no motor control, this technology represents more than just play—it’s a first step toward independence, Ms. Lecker says. It helps develop an understanding of cause and effect, which is foundational for communication and mobility training.
“Many of the children we work with are non-verbal and have very limited physical abilities,” Ms. Lecker said. “But we know there’s more going on inside their minds. This technology allows them to show us what they understand and what they’re capable of. For instance, one child thought about dribbling a basketball and then holding it, showing their ability to connect thoughts to actions.”
Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay’s Rehabilitation team in Specialized Schools is the first in the province to adopt the ground-breaking technology. With funding secured through the Habilitas Foundation, the team purchased a motorized platform, affectionately named “Dave’s Magic Carpet” in honour of longtime staff member Dave Michalski, who recently retired.
Eric Kuchinsky, a Rehabilitation Assistant supporting communication technologies and mobility programs, has been instrumental in helping children adapt to the new system.
“The BCI uses sensors to detect brain activity, and we train the system to recognize specific thought patterns,” Mr. Kuchinsky explained. “For example, we trained one child to think about activating YouTube videos, and this thought successfully triggered the playback. It provided consistent access where other methods were unreliable.”
Mr. Kuchinsky emphasized the versatility of the technology.
“It’s empowering to see the children explore their environment and feel in control for the first time. Even playing video games with siblings becomes an option, promoting social interaction and fun.”
Eric Kuchinsky
Since launching the program, Ms. Lecker’s team has already seen remarkable results. Children who previously had no way to interact with their environment can now play games, turn on music, and even move themselves around. The impact extends to parents as well.
“Many parents said they cried watching their child succeed with the BCI system,” Ms. Lecker noted. “It’s emotional to see your child demonstrate understanding and control when, for so long, it felt impossible.”
The program currently operates with one BCI headset and motorized platform but has plans to expand. A second platform and headset have been funded, ensuring more children will have access to this technology.
