Internet and intranet-based Natural Language Processor (I-NLP) Jeff Higginbotham (University of New York at Buffalo)

Challenge:

Currently in AAC, message content (words, phases, etc.) is limited to preprogrammed vocabulary or to spontaneous constructions. Many times individuals who use AAC lack immediate access to current topical information (e.g., politics, sports, music) or contemporary curricular or employment vocabulary.

The internet provides an almost unlimited breadth of current topical vocabulary, current AAC technologys lack the means to utilize the internet as a source material for their communication.

The need for just-in-time message content is consistently requested by consumer - stakeholders as a highly desirable feature .

Goals:

• Provide just-in-time message content to an AAC device, for use in spoken and written language contexts.
  
  
• Develop search and retrieval techniques based on the conversational current topic.
  
  
• Implement prototypes of the I-NLP for school and workplace activities.

Activities:

The project involves the following activities:

• Develop generic application module for use in research and product development.
  
  
• Conduct a case study on the integration of the I-NLP into an AAC device and use in retrieving school-based curriculum vocabulary for communication.
  
  
• Collaboration with Georgia Institute of Technology’s RERC on Workplace Accommodation to develop AAC technology for workplace communication.