Alternative Communication Technologies Research Articles

Primitive way country come look inside

Abstract A disabled poet with Rett syndrome and a disabled performing artist with type 1 diabetes document their 12-month artistic collaboration to illuminate ground-time: the nonverbal, expressive dynamics of embodied communication. Five “communication moments” between the artists (documented in writing, video, and photo) are described. Potentials and limitations of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies, specifically Tobii Dynavox eye-tracking technology and Communicator 5, are discussed. Additionally, the authors question the clinical diagnostic category of “intellectual disability” on the grounds of disability justice, decolonial science, and philosophy. Communication-assistive technology platform developers are challenged to consider relational embodiment as the foundation of communication in design decisions regarding platform function. Technologies should facilitate improvisation and nonlinear expression—verbal and nonverbal— while maintaining freedom of nondisclosure. The right to opacity in communication is also discussed.

Speaking across cultures: decolonization and disability in a multilingual world

This qualitative study, inspired by a decolonizing Advaita (non-dualistic) perspective, examines the intricate relationship between language, literacy, and disability. It centers on my daughter Kalika, a child with Rett syndrome who is medically categorized as “nonverbal” and navigates communication through eye-tracking Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology. This journey illustrates the challenges and triumphs of integrating the Bengali language and cultural identity within a diasporic context using AAC. The study employs Saraswati Puja, the celebration of the Hindu goddess of learning, as a metaphor to investigate disability in language learning, pushing the boundaries of traditional notions of literacy. It highlights an urgent need for AAC devices that are not only technologically adept but also culturally attuned and linguistically diverse. Ultimately, this research contributes to the dialogue on literacy and disability, advocating for a non-dual approach that values the entire spectrum of human communication and interaction.

Leveraging Communication Partner Speech to Automate Augmented Input for Children on the Autism Spectrum Who Are Minimally Verbal: Prototype Development and Preliminary Efficacy Investigation.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology innovation is urgently needed to improve outcomes for children on the autism spectrum who are minimally verbal. One potential technology innovation is applying artificial intelligence (AI) to automate strategies such as augmented input to increase language learning opportunities while mitigating communication partner time and learning barriers. Innovation in AAC research and design methodology is also needed to empirically explore this and other applications of AI to AAC. The purpose of this report was to describe (a) the development of an AAC prototype using a design methodology new to AAC research and (b) a preliminary investigation of the efficacy of this potential new AAC capability. The prototype was developed using a Wizard-of-Oz prototyping approach that allows for initial exploration of a new technology capability without the time and effort required for full-scale development. The preliminary investigation with three children on the autism spectrum who were minimally verbal used an adapted alternating treatment design to compare the effects of a Wizard-of-Oz prototype that provided automated augmented input (i.e., pairing color photos with speech) to a standard topic display (i.e., a grid display with line drawings) on visual attention, linguistic participation, and (for one participant) word learning during a circle activity. Preliminary investigation results were variable, but overall participants increased visual attention and linguistic participation when using the prototype. Wizard-of-Oz prototyping could be a valuable approach to spur much needed innovation in AAC. Further research into efficacy, reliability, validity, and attitudes is required to more comprehensively evaluate the use of AI to automate augmented input in AAC.

Technology and Disintermediation in Online Marketplaces

With the development of communication technology that makes online transactions easier, there is also an increased risk of disintermediation—sellers and buyers circumventing a platform to transact directly—in online two-sided marketplaces. Such disintermediation may lead to significant revenue loss for online platforms. However, it remains unclear how the characteristics of platforms affect their vulnerability to disintermediation. Using the blockade of Skype in mainland China as a natural experiment, this study examines how online communication technologies affect disintermediation and transaction outcomes in a large U.S. online freelance marketplace. The results show that restricting this alternative communication technology, which platforms struggle to monitor, reduces disintermediation by around 18%. This effect is potentially due to economic frictions in transactions, as the reduction in disintermediation is greater for high-transaction-cost jobs, such as time-sensitive jobs, communication-intensive jobs, and high-skilled jobs, as well as for cost-sensitive users, such as experienced users and personal users as opposed to enterprise users. With these results, platforms can reduce disintermediation risks when making investment and market entry decisions. This paper was accepted by D. J. Wu, information systems. Funding: This work was supported by the Strategic Management Society [SRF Dissertation Research Grant]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.02736 .

Speaking partners’ talk in transitions between symbols in conversations that use speech-output technologies

Aided conversations differ from spoken ones in their transitions between turns and symbols because seeking and choosing symbols takes more time than speaking words naturally. This study adopted the concepts and principles of conversation analysis (CA) to analyze the transitions between symbols during the construction of aided turns. The data was from the spontaneous conversations at home between mothers and four males (sons) who used speech-output technologies. The analyses compared the durations of transitions between turns and symbols and frequency of mothers’ talk during the transitions. The mothers most often remained silent during the symbol-transitions, but when they talked, their speech was inspired by the current context and was not coincidental. When the mothers spoke during the symbol-transitions, their sons either continued or paused constructing their turn. Despite the effect on the progress of conversations, the participants did not orient to these expanded aided turns as challenging. The expansions manifested (a) in parallel (b) side by side with the aided turn, and (c) as a part of the ongoing aided turn. Analyzing the structural characteristics of aided conversations deepens our understanding of theoretical concepts, offers strategies to guide aided communicators and their partners, and helps to develop augmentative and alternative communication technologies that promote interactive communication.

Assessing Language and Literacy of Students with Developmental Disabilities and Complex Communication Needs

Students with developmental disabilities and complex communication needs are impacted by assessments that may not show their ability or address their needs. Multiple modes of assessment presentation and response formats, augmentative and alternative communication approaches, and assistive technology may help students engage more equitably in literacy assessment activities. The Nonverbal Literacy Assessment (NVLA) is an example of a tool used to assess the language and literacy skills of students with disabilities in various formats. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), eye-gazing, and speech-generating device (SGD) technology are also used to make assessment more accessible to students with developmental disabilities and speech difficulties.

Remote Data Acquisition System for Photovoltaic Water Pumping System in Sukkar, Pakistan

Access to high-speed internet connectivity is limited in Sukkur, Pakistan, making alternative communication technologies essential for real-time monitoring and control of photovoltaic (PV) water pumping systems. This research paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a GSM-based remote data acquisition and logging system for a PV water pumping system in Sukkur. Leveraging abundant sunlight in the region, the proposed system utilizes 2G GSM technology for communication between the PV system and the remote monitoring station. A network of sensors captures key parameters, and the acquired data is processed, stored, and transmitted using 2G GSM, enabling remote access and real-time monitoring from any location with GSM coverage. The implemented system incorporates an Arduino microcontroller for core operation and employs an SD card for data logging. Real-time data logging allows for detailed tracking and analysis of system performance, facilitating troubleshooting and optimization. Data stored on the SD card can be transferred to a computer for further analysis using data analysis software or custom applications, providing meaningful representation of trends and insights into system operation. The system also features an OLED display for real-time feedback on essential parameters, including solar irradiance, water level, and pump status. Furthermore, the integration of user prompts and GSM communication enables remote monitoring and control, empowering users to inquire about system status and remotely activate or deactivate the pump through SMS commands. The system offers a robust and adaptable solution for efficient management and maintenance of the solar-powered water pumping system in Sukkur, Pakistan.

Canadian manufacturer and technician perspectives on the design and use of augmentative and alternative communication technology

Purpose Device manufacturers and technicians (MaTs) of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems play key roles in the design and successful uptake of communication devices. This study aims to investigate MaT perspectives on AAC device design and effective use. Materials and Methods To investigate their perspectives, a focus group of MaTs within Canada was conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Findings Three major themes resulted from analysis, which reflect MaT’s views: AAC hardware and software flexibility, AAC knowledge and implementation, and social good versus financial resources. Conclusions This study provides insights into the complexities faced by MaTs in balancing technical support of system end-users and the financial resources necessary for that support. These insights indicate a need for increased financial resources and the expansion of individuals who qualify for AAC system candidacy. MaTs suggest that an increase in resources and candidacy could lead to more successful AAC implementation and a greater understanding of AAC for all stakeholders.

“Why don't they talk to our daughter?”: Eye-tracking AAC and medical communication in Rett syndrome

This investigation explores medical advocacy for Rett syndrome—a rare neurological disorder causing loss of speech and hand function—through the lens of eye-tracking augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology. We gathered data from five individuals with Rett syndrome and their caregivers, encompassing semi-structured virtual interviews, video analyses of AAC device usage, and examination of AAC pageset screenshots. The findings reveal diverse AAC strategies employed to express discomfort or illness and highlight caregivers' pivotal role in processing medical information. Notwishstanding challenges like cost, time limitations in medical contexts, training needs, and the lack of standardized AAC symptom descriptions, eye-tracking AAC technology has the potential to enhance symptom assessment, foster patient autonomy, and facilitate personalized medical care. This study illuminates the transformative power of this AAC technology in medical communication, showcasing its promise in tackling communication challenges and underscoring its capacity to enhance quality of life for those with Rett syndrome and similar health conditions.

The Research on the Predicting the Phenomenon of Intervention in Communication Skills for Children with Autism Using New Media - An Example of Yuudee IPad Application

Due to functional communication difficulties, children with autism are unable to freely communicate their needs and respond to social interactions. It has been demonstrated that the learning of communication skills alleviates the challenges caused by communication impairments. With the use of Augmentative Alternative Communication technologies, it is yet unknown how to develop the communication abilities of children with autism more successfully. During the preparatory phase of this research, a literature search was undertaken to build a instructional teaching plan by integrating the characteristics of the iPad application and the Picture Exchange Communication System teaching process. In the experimental phase, a cross-behavioral multi-baseline design was utilized to empirically demonstrate the communication behaviors pertaining primarily to expressing needs and addressing problems in a single subject. There was an increase in the number of subjectsautonomous declarations of needs and responses to questions after the intervention. The maintenance impact of the intervention was greater for the former than for the latter. The number of independent replies to questions was more than the number of needs expressed. Based on the study's findings and the subject's performance in the intervention training, the iPad application Yuudee is beneficial for enhancing the communication behaviors of children with autism, and the instructional use should be tailored to the subject's individual circumstances to develop specific instructional programs. The creation of appropriate application software should adhere to the cognitive rules of children with autism, from simple to complex, with treatments at each developmental stage.

Perceptions of families with adolescents utilizing augmentative and alternative communication technology: A qualitative approach

PurposeAlthough family involvement is critical to successful augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device utilization, little is known about how families adapt to technology. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore parent-reported factors contributing to family adaptation among families with adolescents diagnosed with autism and/or Down syndrome (DS) utilizing AAC technology. This study describes families' experiences related to several interacting variables of the Resiliency Model, including demand, type, appraisal, resources, and problem-solving/coping, that helped shape the outcome of adaptation to AAC technology. Nurses are well-positioned in a variety of practice settings to assess vulnerable families and assist with identifying resources and navigating complex service systems. Design and methodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with eight parents of adolescents with autism and/or DS (aged 13–18) recruited through online research registries, support organizations, and a social networking site. Recorded interviews were transcribed, and two independent reviewers coded and analyzed the data. Comparisons across all families' thematic summaries were examined for patterns. ResultsFive themes described aspects of family adaptation: Contextual Strains and Influences, Continuum of Person-First Approach, Opening Doors, Facilitators of Support, and Planning Is Key. ConclusionsFindings highlighted the challenges and demands associated with raising an adolescent using an AAC device, as well as the attributes, resources, perceptions, and strategies that either contributed or hindered family adaptation. Practice implicationsAAC technology is readily available for adolescents with developmental disabilities. It is essential that nurses assess key adaptation components to support families in integrating and using the technology.

Teaching Requesting to Individuals with Rett Syndrome Using Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) Through Caregiver Coaching via Telehealth.

Rett syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that results in both motor and language skill regression with a wide range of severity in symptom presentation. Communication intervention may be particularly challenging for this population due to the decline in speech, motor skills, and motor planning difficulties that characterize the disorder (Townend et al., 2020), often resulting in the need for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology. Very limited research has evaluated communication interventions for individuals with Rett syndrome and even fewer have targeted expressive communication, an important skill required for improved autonomy and quality of life (Sigafoos et al., 2009; Townend et al., 2020). The current study sought to systematically replicate the Simacek et al. (2017) mand training procedures to teach three girls with Rett Syndrome to use AAC to make requests through caregiver coaching by researchers via telehealth. Results suggest that mand training was successful in increasing AAC use for all three participants. Barriers to intervention for this population and implications of results for future research and clinical practice are discussed.

Effects of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Technology Decoding Feature on Single-Word Reading by Individuals With Down Syndrome and Limited Functional Speech.

Literacy skills are foundational to participation in adolescent and adult life, and decoding skills (i.e., sounding out to read words) are critical to literacy learning. Literacy also increases communication options for individuals with developmental disabilities who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Yet, current AAC technologies are limited in their support of literacy development (especially decoding skills) for the individuals with developmental disabilities who require them. The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of a new AAC feature designed to support decoding skills. Three individuals who had limited functional speech and limited literacy skills, specifically two adolescents and one young adult with Down syndrome, participated in the study. The study used a single-subject, multiple-probe, across-participants design. All three participants demonstrated increases in reading performance, including decoding of novel words. High variability in performance was observed, however, and no participant reached reading mastery. Still, analysis reveals that for all participants, interacting using the new app feature increased reading. These results offer preliminary evidence that an AAC technology feature that provides models of decoding (upon selection of AAC picture symbols) can support individuals with Down syndrome in building decoding skills. While not intended to replace instruction, this initial study offers initial evidence in its efficacy as a supplemental avenue for supporting literacy in individuals with developmental disabilities who use AAC.

The Effect of Teleworking on Work Stress Among Non-Teaching Employees in Public Universities: A Case of the University of Nairobi and South Eastern Kenya University

Teleworking is an alternative work arrangement, where information and communication technologies enable employees to work outside the traditional working space. Work related stress can therefore spill over to the virtual offices from the traditional offices. This study aimed at finding out if teleworking had any effect on work stress among non-teaching employees in the public universities. University of Nairobi and South Eastern Kenyan University were picked to represent all other public universities. The theories guiding the study were the Organizational adaptation theory and the transactional theory of stress. The researcher used descriptive design and the target population was the senior administrative staff (grade 11 to 15), middle grades (grade A to F) and grade 1 to 4. A sample size of 357 was obtained from the target population of 3289 and questionnaires were administered. Data was presented through charts, graphs and tables. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the teleworking and work stress. The results revealed that Public universities were using teleworking as an alternative way of organization work with Zoom being the most used form although there seemed to be some departments where teleworking was a challenge due to nature of work. Teleworking came with its own challenges among them being internet connectivity issues and power outages. The study concluded that teleworking had an effect on work stress among the non-teaching employees in the public universities in Kenya. Social isolation contributed most to the work stress, followed by the inability to make decisions remotely. Convenience due to Teleworking reduced the level of work stress. The study recommended that public universities should work on their ICT infrastructure to ensure that employees are well connected since network and internet connection were sighted as the most challenging issue in the teleworking. A proper reporting and feedback teleworking mechanism should be employed to ensure that feedback is received on time to facilitate action taking. Investing in training of staff is also important since it will make employees work with a lot of ease hence, less stress. Employees need to interact physically once in a while which in turn reduces stress levels. A well-organized way of working would reduce the pressure that comes with teleworking. Keywords: Teleworking, Work Stress, Non-teaching Employees, Public Universities, University of Nairobi, South Eastern Kenya University, Kenya DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/15-2-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

Load-Aware Channel Allocation for IEEE 802.11ah-Based Networks

Most wireless communication technologies addressed to the Internet of Things (IoT) applications face the bottleneck of dense and large-scale use cases. One solution to this problem is a periodic channel reservation strategy, in which only a small group of stations can compete for channel access during a given period. The IEEE 802.11ah standard, a.k.a. Wi-Fi HaLow, deploys this idea in its channel access protocol, named Restricted Access Window (RAW). A single RAW consists of one or more RAW slots during which only designated stations can contend for channel access. This paper considers an IEEE 802.11ah-based network with randomly distributed stations around the Access Point (AP), operating under a Rayleigh-fading channel with capture enabled. We develop an analytical model to evaluate the contention of a group of stations and propose a Load-Aware Channel Allocation (LACA) algorithm for the RAW slot period. The LACA algorithm ensures the delivery of all packets that designated stations carry, allowing the allocation of load-aware RAW slots, which is effective in enhancing the Age of Information (AoI). We evaluate the Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) and channel usage within a pre-allocated RAW slot to prove the effectiveness of our proposal. We further study the impact of the spatial distribution of the stations around the AP and the capture effect under a Rayleigh channel on the performance of the proposed LACA algorithm. Extensive simulations are used to validate our analytical results. Our proposal provides a load-aware and adaptive channel allocation scheme based on the dynamic conditions of the network. Our model can be implemented in a global configuration scheme for the RAW mechanism in heterogeneous networks or for alternative communication technologies that address dense scenarios with the integration of periodic channel reservations.

Future Communication Systems for Railway: the AB4Rail project in H2020 Shift2Rail Programme

In the last few years, the railway community has been working on the replacement of the GSM-R technology used in ERTMS/ETCS system. It is crucial to identify alternative communication technologies able to replace GSM-R guaranteeing the same requirements of QoS/QoE, security, and safety. For this purpose, the two most promising approaches are based on FRMCS and ACS systems. The Eu-Rail JU H2020 AB4Rail project (Alternative Bearer For Rail) aims to investigate the possibility of extending the set of communication bearers that can be integrated into the FRMCS/ACS systems. In this paper, the authors describe the main results obtained in AB4Rail research activities and adopted methodologies. From AB4Rail project investigations, it has emerged that the most promising candidates are: Free Space Optics (FSO) and innovative aerial communication technologies including LEO HTS satellites and HAPS.

Technology assisted language intervention (TALI) for children who are deaf/hard of hearing: promising impact on pragmatic skills

ABSTRACT Children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) often demonstrate pragmatic language difficulties which can impact academic and social outcomes. This randomized control trial for DHH children, ages 3–12 years, explored the Technology-Assisted Language Intervention (TALI), incorporating augmentative and alternative communication technology (AAC) into traditional speech/language therapy, compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU) to determine impact on pragmatics. Pragmatic outcome measures included parent reported Pragmatics Profile of the CELF-5 (for children age ≥5 years) and CELF-P Descriptive Pragmatics Profile (for children <5 years) in addition to parent reported Social and Communication domains of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales,Third Edition (VABS). Over 24 weeks, children ≥5 years in the TALI made significantly more progress (increase in raw scores) on the Pragmatics Profile compared to children in TAU (12.7 points vs. −6.0 points; p = 0.04) and also showed significant gains on two of the three subscales. For children ≥5 years, no significant VABS changes were seen in either intervention group. For children <5 years, there were no statistically significant differences in growth on the CELF-P total pragmatics raw score or on any subdomain. However, children in TALI had significant increases in the mean VABS Communication (86.7–99.1) and Social domain standard scores (91.8–97.4;p = 0.01), while gains for children in TAU on the Communication and Social domain standard scores were not statistically significant. These promising results support the need for additional research exploring the effectiveness of AAC supported speech/language therapy to enhance DHH children’s pragmatic language skills. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02998164.

Effect of Video Augmentative and Alternative Communication Technology on Communication During Play With Peers for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk for exclusion from play with their peers due to difficulty with communication skills. Video augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology has the potential to support communication within the context of play using videos with integrated visual scene displays. This study investigated the effect of a video AAC intervention on the number of turns in which children with ASD demonstrated symbolic communication during interactions with a peer without disabilities. Maintenance of skills, generalization to untrained play scenarios, and stakeholder perceptions of the video AAC technology were also investigated. This study used a single-case, multiple-probe design across participant dyads. It included baseline, intervention, maintenance, and generalization phases. Six children with ASD and six peers participated in the study. All six participants with ASD demonstrated an increase in the number of turns in which they demonstrated at least one symbolic communication act following intervention, although one participant demonstrated variability in baseline performance, making it difficult to draw conclusions. Results provide preliminary evidence that instruction with video AAC technology can support communication for children with ASD during play interactions with peers.

A Systematic Review of Evidence-based Instruction for Individuals with Autism Using Mobile Augmentative and Alternative Communication Technology

A Systematic Review of Evidence-based Instruction for Individuals with Autism Using Mobile Augmentative and Alternative Communication Technology

Position-Dependent MIMO Demultiplexing Strategy for High-Speed Visible Light Communication in Internet of Vehicles

The context of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and the growing vehicular deployment of sensors and smart devices have demanded alternative wireless communication technologies. Despite the prevalent works on radio-frequency (RF)-based vehicular communication technologies, visible-light communication (VLC) is envisaged to be a promising candidate due to its unlicensed spectrum and high transmission rates. However, the long-distance and high-speed transmission performance of vehicular VLC needs more investigation considering the massive data transmission needs for automotive applications. In this article, a vehicular multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) VLC system based on two commercial headlights and a self-designed PIN array is experimentally demonstrated as a proof of concept for the IoV. Considering the relative movement of vehicles, different communication areas are divided based on the position-dependent receiver receiving states. The boundary condition of each area is derived. For the first time, the selection of the strategy that best suits the MIMO demultiplexing scheme is discussed by analyzing the rank and type of the channel matrix. A modified pilot-aided phase recovery method based on polynomial curve fitting (PCF) is proposed to compensate for the phase noise caused by the sampling frequency offset (SFO). The proposed method maintains good robustness even when the VLC system suffers from the strong nonlinearity and bandwidth limitation of the headlights. Based on the proposed MIMO VLC system, we achieve a record-breaking data rate of 3.08 Gb/s at a 2-m indoor transmission link. We further extend the transmission distance to 100 m, and successfully achieve overall data rates of 336 and 362 Mb/s during the daytime and nighttime, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, these are the highest transmission data rates ever reported for a 100-m vehicular VLC system. Our experimental demonstration clearly verifies the feasibility of VLC in the application of IoV.