Virtual Home Assistants for People with Dysarthria
Researchers at Cardiff University are conducting an interview study to understand the needs of people with dysarthria (a type of speech impairment) better. Many people with MND experience weakness in the bulbar region, affecting muscles of the mouth, throat and tongue. This can lead to problems with speech and voice, which affects the ability to communicate.
This research proposes a new technique for people affected by dysarthria to interact with virtual home assistants such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The proposed technique overcomes people with dysarthria’s communication difficulties and enables them to use a theses device with non-verbal sound cues. The work will enable people with dysarthria, to be independent and give them the ability to use latest technologies such as home assistants equal to people without this impairment. Interviews will allow the researchers to assess the needs and requirements for building the system.
Who is invited to take part?
People who:
As a person with MND, you are in an ideal position to give us valuable first-hand information from your own experience. The involvement will also include collecting voice recording if the participant agreed.
Taking part of this study involves, interviews, voice recording sessions and system testing.
Where do I find more information?
Take part by filling in thisform or email the researcher, Aisha Joddha at [email protected]. You can find more details, including the participant information sheet, on this website.
Please be aware the end date to take part in this research, is the 14th May 2021.
Researchers at Cardiff University are conducting an interview study to understand the needs of people with dysarthria (a type of speech impairment) better. Many people with MND experience weakness in the bulbar region, affecting muscles of the mouth, throat and tongue. This can lead to problems with speech and voice, which affects the ability to communicate.
This research proposes a new technique for people affected by dysarthria to interact with virtual home assistants such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The proposed technique overcomes people with dysarthria’s communication difficulties and enables them to use a theses device with non-verbal sound cues. The work will enable people with dysarthria, to be independent and give them the ability to use latest technologies such as home assistants equal to people without this impairment. Interviews will allow the researchers to assess the needs and requirements for building the system.
Who is invited to take part?
People who:
- Aged 18+ and diagnosed with dysarthria.
- Do not have any other medical condition that affects language production (e.g aphasia).
- Have the capacity to give consent.
- Have an internet connection, computer, or any alternative to be able to have online interviews.
As a person with MND, you are in an ideal position to give us valuable first-hand information from your own experience. The involvement will also include collecting voice recording if the participant agreed.
Taking part of this study involves, interviews, voice recording sessions and system testing.
- Interviews: Will be online or offline. Interview will be recorded.
- Voice recording sessions: will ask you to record different sounds (online).
- System testing: video recording (in case study is done remotely) before and during testing the system. In addition to answering questionnaire.
Where do I find more information?
Take part by filling in thisform or email the researcher, Aisha Joddha at [email protected]. You can find more details, including the participant information sheet, on this website.
Please be aware the end date to take part in this research, is the 14th May 2021.
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