Ellis the developer!

Plenty of 12-year-olds might want to become software developers – but few are well on the way to making their dream a reality.

Ellis, who was registered severely vision impaired at just six months, recently developed his Chicken Coop gaming app, which is available on the Google Play Store.

Assistive technology sessions

He could do this because, as well as having some seriously impressive brainpower, he was shown how to use screen magnification technology by Alex, RSBC’s assistive technology officer.

And although Ellis’ stepdad helped him to register the app, that’s where the adult input stopped.

Building confidence

Ellis learnt the programming language and planned and created the app from start to finish.

His mum Sian admits some of it goes over her head. She says, “He loves talking about it. The challenge of using the development platform with a vision impairment is something that’s really helped his confidence.

Sian adds, “I’m sure Ellis will go on to do more fantastic things with the tech support RSBC offers.”