The human right to play is essential for every child. Yet, millions of children with severe neurological conditions cannot move independently and are excluded from games and sports.

Boccia, a Paralympic sport, was created to address this inequity. Players use a ramp to roll a ball toward a target, enabling participation, independence, friendship, and competition. However, children who cannot move at all still face barriers to playing. BCI technology offers a solution. Using a specialized headset, BCI translates brain signals into commands, allowing thoughts to control actions.

BCI4Kids, a world-leading pediatric BCI program, is developing the first BCI-controlled robotic Boccia ramp. The goal is to make this technology accessible and easy to use for all players. In partnership with families, Boccia athletes, and Paralympians, BCI4Kids are also integrating augmented reality and an online mode so children can play from home with others.

These innovations will reduce physical, geographic, and social barriers to sport. With BCI4Kids’ expertise in translating cutting-edge research into real-world solutions, they are committed to ensuring that children with disabilities can participate in play and sport in ways never before possible.

Award

  • Kids Brain Health Network: $198,743

Partners

  • Dr. Robert Haslam Chair in Pediatric Neurology
  • BCI4Kids
  • Hotchkiss Brain Institute (Hopewell M.I.N.D Prize)
  • A-MEDICO (Neuromove)
  • PATCH  (BCI Games for Learning)

Team

  • Principal investigator: Dr. Adam Kirton 
  • Paralympic sports expert: Alison Levine 
  • Patient-partner: Dani Cochran
  • Co-investigator: Dr. Eli Kinney-Lang 
  • Project lead: Dr. Daniel Comadurán Márquez 
  • Program manager: Nicole Romanow
  • Implementation science lead: Dr. Alicia Hilderley 
  • Patient engagement specialist: Dr. Dejana Nikitovic