8th grader builds device to help friend communicate again

Two years ago Ethan Kadish was struck by a bolt of lightning while attending summer camp in Indianapolis. The Ohio native suffered a severe brain injury and can not walk or talk, but one of Kadish's friends is trying to help solve one of his problem.

8th grader Jacob Smilg is using his love for electronics to help his friend communication again, WCPO Cincinnati reports. Kadish recently had a major communication breakthrough and began blinking to answer "yes" or "no" to simple questions. Smilg programmed a video board to improve Kadish's communication skills even more.

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Smilg's device lights up "yes" or "no" depending on which side Kadish leans on. When asked if Smilg's device was better than blinking for answers, Kadish leaned his head to the left for yes. With his first invention a success, Smilg hopes to create a simplified keyboard to give Kadish even more ways to respond.

%shareLinks-quote="If we look back one year ago, he is truly more present today than he was" type="quote" author="Alexia Kadish" authordesc="Ethan Kadish's mother" isquoteoftheday="false"%

Although Kadish's recovery has been slow, his parents are happy with the improvement he has made so far and are excited to see how Smilg's invention will push their son's recovery forward. "If we look back one year ago, he is truly more present today than he was," Alexia Kadish told WCPO Cincinnati.

Smilg is not alone in his support for Kadish. Over 500 family and friends have come together to create "Team Ethan," a group that helps his family with meals, hospital stays, and more.

Watch Ethan Kadish's story below:

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