SBIR-STTR Award

This proposed research will test the feasibility of a new system for alternate access incorporated into an augmentative and alternative communication of ("AAC"") system designed to substantially improve the work production rate of individuals who are severely speech impaired as a result of a neuromuscular disorder, e.g., cerebral palsy, and for whom existing access methods are slow, fatiguing, or otherwise inadequate. Additionally, the data stream generated by the movement of study participants during access will be collected with a view toward designing algorithms to filter out unintentional movement. Feasibility will be determined by comparing participants' input, word production, and error rates using their current AAC system will be incorporated into a computer access system, allowing users with severe disabilities access to multimedia reading skill development applications, word processors, fax and electronic mail applications, among others.Proposed commercial application:The technology incorporated in the prototype to be tested in the proposed research has commercial application in improving the communication capabilities, and consequently the quality of life, of individuals with severe speech impairments resulting from neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy.National Institute of Human Development (NIHD)

This project addresses the alternative communication and computer access needs of individuals who, as a result of a neuromuscular disorder, e.g. cerebral palsy, are severely speech impaired and/or lack the fine motor control necessary to use direct selection to access an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device or computer. Currently these individuals use single switch access which sharply limits their input rate. Phase I established the feasibility of a new system for access, customizable to the motor characteristics of each user, which substantially improves the input and error rates of single switch users. In Phase II, the prototype will be enhanced to provide features required for successful commercialization. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The proposed technology has commercial application in facilitating literacy acquisition and enhancing the communication capabilities, and consequently the quality of life, of individuals with severe speech and/or motor impairments resulting from neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy.

Thesaurus Terms:
assistive device /technology, communication disorder aid, computer network, computer program /software, computer system design /evaluation, neuromuscular disorder, speech disorder, technology /technique development neuromuscular function, speech synthesizer clinical research, human subject, medical rehabilitation related tag