James Smedley has loved the great outdoors ever since he was kid, growing up at his parents’ cottage on Lake Superior. He turned his passion for nature into a career by becoming a freelance photographer and writer specializing in travel and the outdoors. While fulfilling, James is the first to admit that it’s not an easy way to earn a living. 

“As a writer and photographer, you’re challenged to continue working and making money,” he explains. “When you’re limited by disability, it’s even harder.” 

In 2009, when he was diagnosed with tendonitis in both his arms and his elbows, the pain from his disability made it increasingly difficult to type on a keyboard and use a mouse to edit hundreds of images per photoshoot.  

Since his diagnosis, he looked for solutions to the pain — working through it, trying acupuncture, surgery, sloped keyboards, physio, and finally voice assist, which helped, but not enough. 

As a result, it became increasingly difficult for James to bring in as much money. “I was only working about 30 per cent of what I had been doing before the disability,” says James. 

James didn’t want to end his career, which he loved. So he kept searching for ways to continue to do the work. He had the heart and energy for it. What he needed was a solution — specifically, the HeadMouse Nano. The device replaces a standard mouse, allowing people who cannot use their hands to work. James was elated—until he saw the price tag of $1,500. The amount was out of his reach. 

Fortunately for James, he learned about March of Dimes Canada’s Tech for Impact Fund. He applied and received the financial support to obtain the HeadMouse Nano. Empowered by technology, James has successfully been able to build his business back up. 

“The HeadMouse is easy to use,” explains James. The two-inch-long device perches on his computer with the help of a stand. James wears a small disposable reflective target on  the bridge of his glasses that connects with the device by a wireless optical sensor. Then, he uses small head movements to control the cursor onscreen, and foot taps to perform mouse clicks. 

Having the HeadMouse Nano has made a world of difference for James. Today, James is doing what he loves best, all while achieving financial security once more and building a brighter future for himself. “To have it covered, to have that support, it’s meant a lot.”