BCI@Home: Brain Computer Interface Solutions to Enable Youth Living With Severe Disabilities

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY · Jul 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new type of technology called a brain-computer interface (BCI) that could help children with severe physical disabilities, like cerebral palsy or brain injuries, participate more fully in daily life. The researchers want to see if using this technology at home can help kids reach personal goals that matter to them and also how well this program can be used in real-life home settings.

Children between 5 and 18 years old who have very limited movement—such as not being able to walk or use their hands much—and/or have trouble communicating may be eligible. Participants need to be able to understand and follow simple instructions, and their home needs to be a good fit for using the BCI, as decided by healthcare providers and families. If accepted, families will work with the research team to use the BCI program at home and track how it helps with the child’s daily activities. It’s important to note that children with certain types of epilepsy or brain conditions that don’t work well with the BCI won’t be able to join. This study is not yet open for enrollment but aims to make this helpful technology more accessible for kids living with severe disabilities.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 5-18 years
• • Severe motor impairment including inability to walk and minimal functional hand use, and/or;
• • Severe communication impairment
• • Ability to follow simple instructions and attend to simple tasks
• • Home environment suitable for the program based on clinician and family discussion;
• • Informed assent/consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Epileptic encephalopathy
• • Unstable epilepsy, or
• • Brain imaging incompatible with BCI functionality