Rapid Prototyping of Wireless Augmentative and Alternative Communication System for Speech Impaired Subjects

Received: April 25, 2003; Accepted: May 15, 2003 Correspondence: Hsiao-Yu Lee, Professor Department of Management Information Science, Far East College, Tainan, Taiwan E-Mail: [email protected] munication devices, such as communication boards or electronic or compute-based alternative communication devices, also often referred to as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, to produce speech-like sound for the individual. Compared to conventional assistive device using the symbols or graphics-like language, microprocessor-based communication boards with individual-tailored switches or keyboards have been better developed for special education teacher or speech therapist [4-5]. The disabled person would point to a symbolic icon or switches for "speaking out" a word or phase in order to communicate with a person. For example, an AAC translator can convert a "drink" icon followed by "yes" icon to express "I want