Professor John Eulenberg has been with MSU's Artificial Language Laboratory since 1972. His specialty is voice input/output systems -- designing and creating systems that help individuals with speaking difficulties "be a part of the world."
Eugene, which aired on ABC in December, told the story of a 13-year-old Jewish boy with cerebral palsy, Eugene Chernyakhovsky, who was unable to speak without a language board and interpreter.
Eulenberg created the first wheelchair portable tri-lingual computer voice system so that Eugene could participate in and have a bar mitzvah.
Eulenberg's mission to provide speech for individuals like Eugene began in the late 1960s when his father, a lawyer, was stricken with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) and was unable to communicate except through hand squeezing.
"You don't need speech to communicate everything that needs to be communicated," said Eulenberg.
Eulenberg emphasized that his goal is "to give people access to the tools of human expression." This also includes artistic expression such as singing and the ability to play a piano.
Eulenberg has directly assisted between 70 and 100 people find a voice. The technology and programs he has created have had multiple effects in schools in Michigan and other states and other countries, providing assistive technology to students worldwide.