Publications by authors named "Tom Jakobs"

Article Synopsis
  • Smart Predict is a new two-tablet app designed to enhance communication for users of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices by allowing real-time vocabulary support from partners.
  • The system comprises an AAC User app and a Partner app, both used with Android tablets or phones that have Bluetooth, and was tested to improve message efficiency in users who rely on switch scanning for typing.
  • Research showed that using Smart Predict led to faster communication, higher user satisfaction, and reduced perceived effort during conversations, suggesting it's a promising feature for future smart AAC technologies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * There are problems with availability and reliability of access options, leading to frustration or limited usability under optimal conditions only.
  • * The paper advocates for the urgent need for new technology solutions and improvement of existing ones to enhance access efficiency, accuracy, and user comfort, particularly for adults with acquired neurological conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to support their communication often have physical movement challenges that require alternative methods of access. Technology that supports access, particularly for those with the most severe movement deficits, have expanded substantially over the years. The purposes of this article are to review the state of the science of access technologies that interface with augmentative and alternative communication devices and to propose a future research and development agenda that will enhance access options for people with limited movement capability due to developmental and acquired conditions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study described preliminary work with the Supplemented Speech Recognition (SSR) system for speakers with dysarthria. SSR incorporated automatic speech recognition optimized for dysarthric speech, alphabet supplementation, and word prediction. Participants included seven individuals with a range of dysarthria severity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The purpose of this article is to describe the impact of an intervention involving safe-laser pointing technology on six persons with locked-in syndrome. When these individuals were invited to participate in this project (4 weeks to 18 years post onset), none were able to speak and none were able to access an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. All communicated using eye movements (e.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF