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Lucie is a dynamic woman, changing perceptions and challenging others to acknowledge people like her. With a wide range of interests including running, literature, programming and dance, she challenges norms every day simply by living her life and being herself. Diagnosed soon after birth with cerebral palsy, Lucie has limited control of her body and speech. Her interests, goals and passions drive her, whether she’s solving equations, advocating for inclusivity in the arts, or speaking publicly about her experiences.
— Lucie Quarta
Lucie first discovered assistive technology in her mid-twenties, after years of using lower tech AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) solutions, such as a joystick with keyguards. As she progressed with her studies, she needed a more sophisticated solution. Her occupational therapist attended a training session by our sales director, who arranged for Lucie to try an eye gaze device that same day. She was instantly able to control the screen with her eyes and understood the technology’s possibilities. Lucie now uses a combination of devices for different purposes, all with the same Communicator 5 AAC software. She uses a PCEye eye tracker with her laptop for coursework at home. When she’s on the go, she mounts her I-Series to her wheelchair, and uses it to do everything from coding, to turning on the TV, to presenting during meetings - all with her eyes. She uses both devices constantly, for work, leisure, browsing the internet, social media and email. Her experience proves that it’s never too late to start using assistive technology.
Lucie’s goals are ambitious, but it frustrates her to lose valuable time simply adapting to the world around her. Her disability makes every task take twice as long. Not that this gets in her way. With sheer determination, strength from her loving family, and the support of her tech-savvy communication team, she’s pursuing a computer science degree. One of her goals is to specialize in educational accessibility. She’s currently trying to develop an eye gaze-accessible scientific keyboard for STEM students who can’t use their hands to type. In 2020, Lucie was the keynote speaker at Stockholm’s Women in Tech conference. Her presentation drew a standing ovation – the first time in the conference’s history. It was a fitting symbol of Lucie’s dream to make people stand up and take notice of those like her in the world.
