Hypertext Tools in Speech and Language Therapy1

1 Singh, S. and Gedeon, T. D. "Hypertext Tools in Speech and Language Therapy", Proc. 6th International Conference on Speech Science and Technology, Adelaide, Australia, pp. 233-238, (10-12 December, 1996). ABSTRACT This paper investigates hypertext tools in communication disorders, particularly in aphasia assessment and therapy. The assessment of language comprehension abilities can be facilitated by evaluating patient performance on information retrieval tasks. Hypertext tools can be used to gather information about patients’ planning abilities and the semantic understanding of the available information. The paper explores the use of hypertext for generating therapy material which works with traditional methods of aphasia therapy, and highlights its importance whilst evaluating verbal and non-verbal abilities. Patient performance on hypertext related tasks can be quantified with the proposed parameters which quantify the degree of language deficit through information retrieval and understanding processes. These parameters need to be tested for their importance in outcome management: whether they are sensitive enough to measure changes or not. The role of hypertext in developing therapy exercises is discussed. The advantages of hypertext tools in single case-studies is highlighted and an active role of hypertext applications in aphasia management is suggested.