No abstract

People with complex communication needs (CCNs) can use high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to compensate for communication difficulties. While some use AAC effectively, much research has highlighted challenges with AAC interventions culminating in high rates of abandonment amongst end-users. For instance, research has found that AAC is typically inconsiderate of cultural factors and very visible -permeating stigmas in public. Consequently, my PhD focuses on building and developing novel forms of wearable and discreet assistive technologies that can support people with CCNs in particular people living with aphasia (PWAs) for communicating and accessing information subtly and effectively in real-world settings.

High-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices can offer vital communication support for those with complex communication needs (CCNs). Unfortunately, these devices are rarely adopted. Abandonment has been linked to many factorscommonly, stigma resulting from the visibility of the device and its intrusion into other essential modes of communication like body language. However, visible AAC is strategically useful for setting conversational expectations. In this work, we explore how we might envision AAC to address these tensions directly. We conduct user-centred design activities to build three high-fidelity AAC prototypes with different communities with CCNs, specialists and stakeholders. The prototypes demonstrate different form factors, visibility and modes of input/output. Subsequently, we conduct two qualitative focus groups using convergent and divergent co-design methods with people with the language impairment aphasia -supporting ideation of seven discreet and wearable low-fidelity AAC prototypes and critique of the three high-fidelity prototypes. CCS CONCEPTS• Human-centered computing → Accessibility technologies.