For OTs, SEND teachers and families

Small steps. Big independence.

Guidance for supporting a child or young person to try hands-free computing respectfully. FaceNav is an access tool; it makes no medical or therapeutic claims.

Before the session

Tick items as you go. Ticks are not saved.

Device readyWindows 10/11, webcam, Visual C++ Redistributable, FaceNav installed and tested by you first.
Consent and preferencesThe young person (and family where appropriate) agrees to try it. Ask how they like to communicate yes, no and stop.
PositioningSeated securely and comfortably, face fully visible, camera near eye level, about an arm's length away.
LightingEven light on the face; no bright window behind. Quiet room if using speech.
Start with one actionOnly pointer movement at first. Add clicking or speech in later sessions.
Short sessions5–10 minutes to begin, with rest breaks. End on a success.
Observe comfortWatch for fatigue, strain or frustration. Stop early if needed; say "butterfly" to halt the cursor.
Protect privacyNever put names, diagnoses or health details in feedback reports or shared notes.

A respectful approach

Presume competence. Explain what FaceNav does directly to the young person.
Let them lead. Choose an activity they care about — music, drawing, a game. See activity ideas.
Make stopping easy. Agree a stop signal before you start.
Adjust the tool, not the person. Change sensitivity, camera position or mode before asking for bigger movements.
Use short sessions. Little and often beats long and tiring.

MotionInput FaceNav 2.0 — First session plan

Printable first-session plan

Goal (one action)	Move the pointer to a large target and rest there.
Setup checks	Camera at eye level · face lit · seated comfortably · mic on (if speech)
Warm-up (2 min)	Explain, agree stop signal, say "butterfly" at rest.
Activity (5 min)
Rest breaks	Every 2–3 minutes or when asked.
Comfort observations
What they enjoyed / next step

Use initials only on paper records kept by your setting. Do not include names or health information in feedback to developers.

Licensing for schools and services

FaceNav is currently described as freeware/donateware, freely usable for personal use. For use by a school, trust, clinic or other organisation, read the MotionInput licence v1.2 (opens in a new tab) and contact info@motioninputgames.com for organisational permissions.

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