Augmented and Alternative Communication Devices (AAC), are communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. These are the systems which are generally used by those who have severe communication disabilities.
AAC systems are diverse, and aided approaches use external tools and range from pictures and communication boards to speech generating devices. The symbols used in AAC include gestures, photographs, pictures, line drawings, letters and words, which can be used alone or in combination.
Body parts, pointers, adapted mice, or eye tracking can be used to select target symbols directly, and switch access scanning is often used for indirect selection. Message generation is generally much slower than spoken communication, and as a result rate enhancement techniques may be used to reduce the number of selections required.
Users include those with cerebral palsy, Intellectual impairment, Autism,Developmental dyspraxia,Traumatic brain injury, Aphasia, Locked-in syndrome Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, MND, Parkinson's Disease and Multiple sclerosis, among others.
In terms of this assignment, the interface would come under the umbrella of AACs, however what sets it apart is the fact that it allows for faster message generation, as well as integration with virtual technology- which these devices do not allow for at this stage. Furthermore, the proposed interface is far more sophisticated in terms of its use- it can be used not only to send messages, but to allow users to search for information, entertainment, education- whatever they chose. For those with cognitive disabilities, this may seem unnerving, however for those with complete cognitive abilities, it could open up the door to a previously unreachable world.
No comments:
Post a Comment