LIFE changing technology is helping disabled ex-servicemen and women communicate by just using their eyes.

Queen Alexandra Hospital Home (QAHH) in Worthing was awarded a grant of almost £25,000 to help improve the lives of its residents.

And the charity, which cares for disabled ex-servicemen and women, has spent some of the money on EyeGaze technology.

This helps people with limited movement to control a computer screen using their eyes, allowing them to communicate their thoughts and feelings.

QAHH’s occupational therapy team set up the system for resident Duncan Ayres, 56, who has motor neurone disease. They personalised it for his needs.

He is able to communicate with carers, write and send emails and text messages, access the internet and play his favourite music.

Mr Ayres said: “When I arrived at QAHH I was in my wheelchair and my speech was very limited. I am now not able to talk at all, which I have found very upsetting and frustrating.

“I have found this absolutely brilliant as I can talk to the carers and my partner which I find very rewarding.

“I do not feel so isolated or frightened. I feel very lucky that something like this is available.”

Occupational therapist Sally Cook said: “It has been amazing for us to have access to this life-changing technology. It has been a steep learning curve for the therapists and care staff but Duncan has helped us push the boundaries of what can be done.

“Duncan has got so much to say and now he can tell us.”

The grant, from the Ian Karten Charitable Trust, has also enabled QAHH to expand its WiFi connection, providing residents and their visitors with wireless internet access in their rooms.

QAHH has also bought a “mobile magic carpet’ to be used in therapy and recreation sessions which projects interactive games and images onto a surface such as the floor or a table.

Residents are able to control it by moving their arms or legs over the projected image to make it react.

Other items include iPad upgrades and accessories, a new webcam and microphone to support residents using Skype, a balance board for the Wii, a portable DVD player and software and apps to help the charity's team assess and support residents.