Facilitating Positive Interactions for AAC Users Using Tone of Voice

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are designed to enable individuals with limited communication abilities to communicate effectively with others. One of the most commonly used AAC devices converts a text input into a vocalized message for the user. These types of AAC devices can be difficult to use and greatly hinder normal conversation and satisfaction for the user. Not only do these AAC devices make their users feel uncomfortable, they also create an unfamiliar conversational setting for their partner. As a response, conversational partners of AAC users often change their behaviors in order to compensate for the hindered interaction, usually exhibiting these changes through their tone of voice. These accommodations actually make the AAC user feel worse about themselves and the interaction. \ud The purpose of this project was to investigate how a conversational partner’s vocal qualities can facilitate positive emotions experienced by the AAC user. Thirty-five female-female conversational pairs were analyzed for this study. They were asked to participate in three five-minute conversations, and in two of the conversations one participant was directed to communicate with their partner using an AAC device. Each participant completed self-report surveys of experienced rapport, and ratings of vocal characteristics were conducted on each of the non-AAC user participants. Vocal qualities of vocal variety, volume, pitch and rate of speech were analyzed for this study. Speech rate was the only quality that exhibited a significant impact on the positive emotions experienced by the AAC user. Rate of speech could offer an explanation for the shift from communicating positive affect to causing negative feelings through patronizing effects when interacting with an AAC user