Rate and Augmentative Communication Devices
Sunday June 30, 9am - Noon

Abstract

For individuals that rely on AAC devices, communication rate is one of the most important features. Yet it is one of the least understood. How do we measure rate? What does it mean? This session will give practitioners information on tools available to help assess rate, and provide information on several input strategies used for AAC and computer input: adaptive scanning, disambiguation, word prediction, Morse code, utterance based, Symantec Compaction and customizable interfaces. Short presentations will be followed by a panel question and answer session.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn about importance of rate measures and identify tools to assist with the quantification of rate.

2. Be able to describe user abilities necessary to be successful with various input methods.

3. Be able to describe advantages and disadvantages of various input methods.

Presenters

Kevin Caves, Duke University, Morse Code

Jeff Higginbotham, University of Buffalo, Overview of Rate

Dale Grover, Red Cedar Foundation, Disambiguation

Heidi Koester, University of Michigan, Word Predication

Greg Lesher, Enkidu Research, Adaptive Scanning

Bruce Baker, Semantic Compaction, Inc., Semantic Compaction

John Todman, University of Dundee, Utterance Based Communication

Rupal Patel, Columbia University, Context Sensitive Communication

For more information and session handouts go to:
http://www.aac-rerc.com/pages/RESNA_2002.html