title: What is the potential for context aware communication aids?
abstract: Use of voice output communication aids (VOCAs) can be a very effective strategy to assist people with speech impairments in communicating. Despite this, people who use communication aids often express frustration with VOCAs-desiring devices that are simpler, quicker and more effective to use. Whilst it is not possible to resolve all these issues with technology, it is argued that significant progress can be made. The use of contextual information is one development that could improve the simplicity and effectiveness of communication aid design. Improving the effectiveness of communication aids, including through the use of context support, is a goal of the NIHR Devices for Dignity Assistive Technology Theme. This discussion paper examines the potential for creating 'context aware' communication aids. Three projects in which the authors have been involved are described to illustrate different approaches to the use of contextual information.
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare and School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield , Regent Court, 30 Regent Street , Sheffield S1 4DA , UK .|b Barnsley Hospital, Assistive Technology Team , Gawber Road, Barnsley , South Yorkshire S75 2EP , UK .|c NIHR Devices for Dignity Healthcare Technology Co-operative , Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road , Sheffield S10 2JF , UK , and.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Judge
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare and School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield , Regent Court, 30 Regent Street , Sheffield S1 4DA , UK .|b Barnsley Hospital, Assistive Technology Team , Gawber Road, Barnsley , South Yorkshire S75 2EP , UK .|c NIHR Devices for Dignity Healthcare Technology Co-operative , Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road , Sheffield S10 2JF , UK , and.
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Hawley
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare and School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield , Regent Court, 30 Regent Street , Sheffield S1 4DA , UK .|d Department of Human Communication Sciences , University of Sheffield , 362 Mushroom Lane , Sheffield S10 2TS , UK.
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.affiliation: b Barnsley Hospital, Assistive Technology Team , Gawber Road, Barnsley , South Yorkshire S75 2EP , UK .
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kirton
mesh_terms: D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000639:trends*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D009323:Natural Language Processing; D020380:Needs Assessment; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: AAC; NLG; NLP; communication aid; context