Diseño de una interfaz flexible y un módulo de monitoreo de actividad de lenguaje para un sistema de comunicación aumentada y alternativa

Abstract

Technology and clinical practice of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) have experimented profound changes in the last decade due to sophisticated computer- based applications and the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP is based on communication performance measurement and optimization, and requires a language activity monitor (LAM) as well as an analysis and reporting program. Personalization of AAC systems for optimal performance requires configurable interfaces, because many performance parameters depend on the layout and language organization of the interface. This paper describes the introduction of a configurable interface and a LAM module in the third generation of AAC software developed at the Universidad Iberoamericana, as a platform for multiple AAC clinical products and research applications. The configurable interface was designed to be largely autoadjustable by using parametric design techniques. The design of the LAM module was based on guidelines proposed by the AAC Institute and provides an innovative visualization tool of the logged events. The new AAC system opens possibilities for research in areas such as language use in Spanish-speaking disabled populations. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.