Development of an augmentative and alternative communication interface for persons with memory and new learning limitations

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology has made an important contribution to the lives of many persons with severe communication disorders. Many of the currently used AAC interfaces make extensive cognitive demands on the user. Iconic encoded and dynamic screen interface strategies are difficult for potential AAC users with cognitive impairments involving recall memory and “new learning”. The purpose of this research project was to develop an AAC interface that utilized the “recognition” rather than “recall” memory. Four research projects were completed in order to meet the following goals: (a) to develop design specifications for a new AAC interface, (b) to program a prototype for a specialized AAC interface based on the design specifications, (c) to document how well the design specifications are reflected in the beta version (prototype) of the AAC interface, (d) to compare the message retrieval efficiency (the speed of access and the accuracy rate of access), the attitudes, and preference between “first-time” use a Dynamic Screen and the new AAC interfaces (AAC Menu) for two young adults with traumatic brain injury