Knox, 2, has Nemaline Rod Myopathy, a rare debilitating disease that affects muscle tone and strength.

It restricts daily functions from sitting up to eating and speaking – and it means Knox is unable to communicate effectively, according to mum Alli.

On Tuesday he eagerly turned his gaze to the technology that will eventually become his “voice” by tracking eye movements across a screen and generating speech.

Aspire Early Intervention occupational therapist Jess Heinrich said Knox’s condition affected all the muscles in his body but his eyes worked well – “so this is the perfect fit for him”.

“Cognitively Knox is tracking well but just doesn’t have the voice to let us know what he wants,” she said.

Aspire will work with Knox and his family in coming weeks as they trial the technology and explore its benefits.

The hope is that NDIS funding may be used to purchase the $20,000 device.

Initially, Knox will play fun and interactive games as he learns how his eye gaze can control the device.

From there he will move on to symbol-based communication software that will enable him to interact and communicate with others. 

“I’d be so happy if Knox can just tell us some basic things like that he needs a nappy change or he wants the television channel changed,” Alli said.

“At the moment he does get frustrated – and his big sister (Willow, 5) has to make up what he’s saying.”

Meanwhile next door, little Lucas Ingram was enjoying some fine-tunning of his new $11,000 stroller with specialised seating support.

Parents Anne-Maree Pengelly and Denis Ingram said their one-year-old son, who has Sotos Syndrome, was much more comfortable since getting his new wheels.

Aspire speech pathologist and NDIS key worker Kim Burgess said off-the-shelf equipment did not suit Lucas because of the scoliosis associated with his disorder. 

He has been in a series of plaster casts to help correct the curvature of his spine and will be fitted for a more easily removable fibre cast at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne in coming weeks.

“This wheelchair allows Lucas to participate in more activities because it puts him in the right position and means he won’t fatigue as much,” Ms Burgess said.

“It’s exciting to see kids happier and able to move forward with their therapy thanks to this equipment.

“There are also also flow-on effects for families because of the assistance with daily activities.”