Close

Sad News from the Eyedrivomatic Team

A project log for Eye Controlled Wheelchair!

Open source system to drive powerchairs by eye movement alone - allowing independent mobility when use of a person's hands isn't an option.

cody-barnesCody Barnes 04/24/2017 at 16:4713 Comments

I am sorry to report that after more than a decade of fighting Motor Neurone Disease (MND), on April 14th, Steve Evans has passed away. MND is a brutal terminal disease that slowly destroys the ability of its victims to function and removes almost all self-reliance while leaving the mind fully in tact. Despite his own troubles, Steve selflessly found a way through Eyedrivomatic to help many others with similar struggles. Up to the end, Steve was busy communicating with users and researchers and coordinating manufacturing and delivery. I cannot understate how much Steve was a key part of the Eyedrivomatic team, and the loss of Steve is a major blow to the project.

There will be a short delay in the production of any new units while we figure out how to pick-up where Steve left off. However despite our loss, the Eyedrivomatic team intends to continue development and has much planned for this year.

If you are interested in helping with this project, please send me a note. We have much still to do and without Steve, we could use some help! If you could benefit from Eyedrivomatic, I would also like to hear from you. If you can't participate and have no personal use for Eyedrivomatic, but would like to share your appreciation of Steve's work, I would like to hear from you too (and would be happy to forward your notes to Steve's family).

Sincerely,

Cody Barnes

Discussions

Audrey Robinel wrote 04/25/2017 at 22:45 point
This is a sad news :( All my sympathies goes to the family, the team, and the community in general. He'll be remembered, and has inspired many around here, for sure.

  Are you sure? yes | no

David H Haffner Sr wrote 04/25/2017 at 14:23 point

So sorry to hear this, all my condolences.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Dusan Petrovic wrote 04/25/2017 at 14:11 point

RIP Steve. My deepest sympathies go out to the family and Team.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Anool Mahidharia wrote 04/25/2017 at 06:43 point

Very sad to hear this news. MY deepest sympathy to the Team and to Steve's family and friends.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Jack Laidlaw wrote 04/25/2017 at 03:25 point

R.I.P Steve, Your legacy lives on in helping others out there suffering from MND. My sympathies to the family. He was a special guy.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Adam Fabio wrote 04/25/2017 at 03:02 point

Goodbye, Steve. It was an honor to be among those awarding you the grand prize for all your hard work on Eyedriveomatic.  

  Are you sure? yes | no

Jon Thomasson wrote 04/25/2017 at 00:04 point

RIP Steve. You have inspired many people and touched many people's lives through this wonderful project. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Sophi Kravitz wrote 04/24/2017 at 21:15 point

This is very sad news. Steve's work on Eyedrivomatic is incredibly motivating. RIP Steve, we will never forget the inspiration you brought to the world. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Aleksandar Bradic wrote 04/24/2017 at 20:45 point

RIP Steve :( I still remember how moving your Prize acceptance speech was at the Supercon. There was no dry eye in the audience. We owe you the same today ;\ You'll always be an inspiration! 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Ulysse wrote 04/24/2017 at 20:40 point

Tears from France

  Are you sure? yes | no

Shulie Tornel wrote 04/24/2017 at 20:23 point

Very sad news... Thinking of your team and Evan's family and friends today. Hope you find the help and support you need for this incredible, special project.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Mike Szczys wrote 04/24/2017 at 19:13 point

I'm saddened to hear about Steve's passing. His determination inspired me. Steve's work on Eyedrivomatic shows where his priorities in life were directed -- to help other people despite his battle with MND is something truly special.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Morning.Star wrote 04/24/2017 at 18:48 point

RIP Steve, you made a difference. You and your work is an inspiration to us all.

Deepest sympathy to the friends and family, and to you Cody.

Regards, Jez & Bea

  Are you sure? yes | no