AN inspirational toddler has become one of the youngest in the UK to successfully use a special communication device.

Three-year-old Oliver Cunningham, of Heron Hill, Kendal, was born with severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which means he cannot talk or walk.

But with bundles of motivation, dedication and support, Oliver has come on leaps and bounds over the past year and can now communicate using eye gaze technology – an emotional experience for his proud parents, Peter and Julie.

“Within a week of using the device Oliver was not just recognising symbols but he was starting to have two-way conversations for the first time.

“He’s actually got a voice now,” said Mrs Cunn-ingham, deputy head at Ghyll Outdoor Education Centre, Kendal.

Oliver uses his eyes to control the computer as a voice ouput communication aid, using symbols and text to build sentences.

“We could see he was bright and believed he could do it so we thought why wait until he goes to school.

“Yes, he’s severely disabled physically, but cognitively he is as alert as any other three-year-old. We’re striving for him to be as independent as he can be.”

Mr Cunningham said SmartBox, which specialises in the communication aids, was ‘very excited’ about Oliver’s progress and wanted to use him as a case study to inspire others. He loves life and he’s just desperate to do everything and our job is to facilitate that,” said Mr Cunningham, who runs first aid courses.

“It has really opened up his social side, especially with other children at nursery.

“He can play games such as Simon Says and tell jokes now.”

Oliver’s parents praised the strong team behind him including Ruth Moore, of Bobbins Nursery, Staveley, which he attends two-and-a-half days a week, and Koalas at Kendal Children’s Centre where he goes twice a month.

Cumbria County Council is funding Oliver’s use of the device and buying a portable version called Tobii CEye, which will cost around £15,000.

The computer will be attached to Oliver’s special wheelchair, which has been funded by Whizz Kids, a disabled children’s charity.

l A raffle and talk by Adele Pennington, the first British woman to climb Everest twice, will be held at Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge, on December 2.

Proceeds will go to Cumbria Cerebral Palsy, with 80 per cent of funds raised helping to buy specialised equipment for Oliver.

For more information email visit http://www.adventurelearning.co.uk.