Compansion: From research prototype to practical integration

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
KATHLEEN F. MCCOY ◽  
CHRISTOPHER A. PENNINGTON ◽  
ARLENE LUBEROFF BADMAN
Keyword(s):  
Language Processing ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Aids ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Communicative Ability ◽  
Linguistic Ability ◽  
Research Prototype ◽  
Intelligent Communication ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Parser Generator

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is the field of study concerned with providing devices and techniques to augment the communicative ability of a person whose disability makes it difficult to speak or otherwise communicate in an understandable fashion. For several years, we have been applying natural language processing techniques to the field of AAC to develop intelligent communication aids that attempt to provide linguistically correct output while increasing communication rate. Previous effort has resulted in a research prototype called Compansion that expands telegraphic input. In this paper we describe that research prototype and introduce the Intelligent Parser Generator (IPG). IPG is intended to be a practical embodiment of the research prototype aimed at a group of users who have cognitive impairments that affect their linguistic ability. We describe both the theoretical underpinnings of Compansion and the practical considerations in developing a usable system for this population of users.

scholarly journals Interpretation of iconic utterances based on contents representation: Semantic analysis in the PVI system

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-40
Author(s):  
PASCAL VAILLANT
Keyword(s):  
Natural Language Processing ◽  
Natural Language ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Semantic Analysis ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Language Disabilities ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Conceptual Graph ◽  
Processing Techniques

This article focuses on the need for technological aid for agrammatics, and presents a system designed to meet this need. The field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) explores ways to allow people with speech or language disabilities to communicate. The use of computers and natural language processing techniques offers a range of new possibilities in this direction. Yet AAC addresses speech deficits mainly, not linguistic disabilities. A model of aided AAC interfaces with a place for natural language processing is presented. The PVI system, described in this contribution, makes use of such advanced techniques. It has been developed at Thomson-CSF for the use of children with cerebral palsy. It presents a customizable interface helping the disabled to compose sequences of icons displayed on a computer screen. A semantic parser, using lexical semantics information, is used to determine the best case assignments for predicative icons in the sequence. It maximizes a global value, the ‘semantic harmony’ of the sequence. The resulting conceptual graph is fed to a natural language generation module which uses Tree Adjoining Grammars (TAG) to generate French sentences. Evaluation by users demonstrates the system's strengths and limitations, and shows the ways for future developments.

Statistical Language Processing for Text Entry

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Ola Kristensson
Keyword(s):  
Information Theory ◽  
Error Correction ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Engineering Science ◽  
Text Entry ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Token Passing ◽  
Language Modelling ◽  
Eye Typing

In this chapter we explain how methods from statistical language processing serve as a foundation for the design of probabilistic text entry methods and error correction methods. We review concepts from information theory and language modelling and explain how to design a statistical decoder for text entry—a generative probabilistic model based on the token-passing paradigm. We then present five example applications of statistical language processing for text entry: correcting typing mistakes, enabling fast typing on a smartwatch, improving prediction in augmentative and alternative communication, enabling dwell-free eye-typing and intelligently supporting error correction of probabilistic text entry. We then discuss the limitations of the models presented in this chapter and highlight the importance of establishing solution principles based on engineering science and empirical research in order to guide the design of probabilistic text entry.

Basic Principles of Language Intervention for Children Who Use AAC

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-55
Author(s):  
Filip Loncke
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Language Intervention ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Lexical Development ◽  
Speech Generating Device ◽  
Beneficial Impact ◽  
Main Language

Abstract The study of language acquisition and processing and the practice of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention have a mutual beneficial impact. Each of the three major approaches in explaining language acquisition (rationalistic, empiricist, and functionalist) provides interesting perspectives in understanding the uniqueness of language acquisition through AAC. When looking at language processing, studies of AAC use can provide information on the multimodality and internal multimodal representational networks. The study of the main language components (phonology, morphology and syntax, lexicon) in AAC users raises interesting questions concerning (a) the effect of the use of a speech-generating device on an internal phonology, (b) the relation between morphological and syntactic rules and communicative effectiveness, and (c) the effect of the use of communication boards and devices on lexical development and lexical growth. AAC practice is a potential source of data that can lead to more effective intervention as well as to a better understanding of language processes in general.

Toward Functional Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Students With Autism

2003 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pat Mirenda
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Communication Aids ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Expressive Communication ◽  
Alternative Method ◽  
Voice Output Communication Aids ◽  
Students With Autism ◽  
Voice Output

Many individuals with autism are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, either to supplement (i.e., augment) their existing speech or to act as their primary (i.e., alternative) method of expressive communication. The purpose of this article is to summarize research and directions for future research with regard to two questions related to the delivery of AAC supports to these individuals: (a) What AAC modality is preferable to use? and (b) What do we know about the use of voice output communication aids with people with autism?

scholarly journals Augmentative and alternative communication supports for adults with autism spectrum disorders

Autism ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 891-902 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Trembath ◽  
Teresa Iacono ◽  
Katie Lyon ◽  
Denise West ◽  
Hilary Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Communication Aids ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Communication Needs

Many adults with autism spectrum disorders have complex communication needs and may benefit from the use of augmentative and alternative communication. However, there is a lack of research examining the specific communication needs of these adults, let alone the outcomes of interventions aimed at addressing them. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of support workers and family members regarding the outcomes of providing low-technology communication aids to adults with autism spectrum disorders. The participants were six support workers and two family members of six men and women with autism spectrum disorders, who had received low-technology communication aids. Using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and following thematic analysis, the results revealed strong support for, and the potential benefits of, augmentative and alternative communication for both adults with autism spectrum disorders and their communication partners. The results also revealed inconsistencies in the actions taken to support the use of the prescribed augmentative and alternative communication systems, pointing to the clinical need to address common barriers to the provision of augmentative and alternative communication support. These barriers include organisational practices and limitations in the knowledge and skills of key stakeholders, as well as problematic attitudes.

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