Evaluation of a Speech Translation Approach Toward Independent, Community-Based Communication for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Speech Impairments

The project develops and evaluates a prototype translator system determining the feasibility of enabling independent and effective community-based communication for individuals with intellectual disabilities and speech impairments. The prototype is based on PDA technologies and provides evaluation through: (1) the ability of persons with intellectual disabilities to use it independently; (2) the effectiveness of the approach in producing correct translations; and (3) qualitative measures of social acceptance and/or stigma inspired by the approach.