Understanding and reducing the abandonment of High tech AAC (Augmentative Assistive Communication) Devices

增强和辅助沟通（AAC）设备，通常称为沟通辅助设备，帮助人们在言语受损时尽可能有效地沟通。数据表明，AAC设备的使用可能会随着时间的推移而减少，即使对个人福祉的好处是明确的。这个项目的目的是了解是什么因素导致人们停止使用他们的AAC设备。通过采用系统感知的设计方法，我们将研究所有决定因素。如果有效使用，AAC设备可以帮助患有复杂残疾的人：* 使用个性化的文本到语音的语音进行沟通 * 远程控制周围的环境 * 以无障碍的方式参与社交媒体，电子邮件和消息传递 * 通过符号化的内容理解文本_“它完全改变了我的生活，我可以再次表达自己。- -罗布·伯罗MBE，前橄榄球联盟的半决赛选手，智能盒和SpeakUnique产品的用户，对《卫报》说。（https：//www.theadian.com/sport/2021/may/07/rob-and-lindsey-burrow）从用户和支持者的角度来看，了解AAC是如何实现的以及如何最大限度地发挥设备的潜力可能是一个复杂的过程。为了充分探索AAC的实施过程，我们正在与四个利益相关者共同设计研究方法，包括直接用户和支持AAC用户的人。在整个项目中，我们将与主要意见领袖进行访谈，并对专业人士、用户和倡导者进行调查。我们还将通过对有关设备废弃和AAC用户成功的文献进行小型系统回顾来加强数据收集。Smartbox和SpeakUnique将通过与我们的AAC用户、家庭和专业人士网络合作，确定设备废弃的根本原因，并提出解决方案，为下一代AAC产品奠定基础。关于我们 **Smartbox（thinksmartbox.com）是一家英国公司，致力于开发AAC（增强辅助通信）设备，帮助残疾人进行交流和独立。自2003年以来，Smartbox通过创新的硬件和软件解决方案为残疾人提供语音服务。SpeakUnique（speakunique.co.uk）开发了最先进的语音银行技术，使人们能够创建高质量的个性化合成语音。SpeakUnique始于2012年，是爱丁堡大学的一个研究项目。

Augmentative and Assistive Communication (AAC) devices, often called communication aids, help people communicate as effectively as possible when speech is impaired. Data suggests that AAC device usage can decrease over time, even when the benefits to the individual's well-being are clear. The aim of this project is to understand what factors cause someone to stop using their AAC device. By adopting a system-aware design approach, we will investigate all determining factors.When used effectively, an AAC device can help someone living with complex disabilities to:* communicate with a personalised text-to-speech voice* control the environment around them remotely* engage with social media, email and messaging in an accessible way* comprehend text through symbolised content_"It has completely changed my life, I can express myself again."_ - Rob Burrow MBE, former rugby league scrum-half and user of Smartbox and SpeakUnique products, speaking to The Guardian. (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/07/rob-and-lindsey-burrow)Understanding how AAC is implemented and how to maximise the potential of a device, both from the point of view of the user and of the supporter, can be a complicated process. To fully explore the AAC implementation process we are co-designing the research methodology with four stakeholders, including direct users and persons who support AAC users. Throughout the project we will conduct interviews with key opinion leaders as well as surveys of professionals, users and advocates. Our data collection will also be strengthened by a mini systematic review of literature on device abandonment and AAC user success.Smartbox and SpeakUnique will work in partnership and through collaboration with our network of AAC users, families, and professionals, will identify the root causes of device abandonment and propose solutions that will lay the foundations of next generation AAC products.**About us**Smartbox (thinksmartbox.com) is a UK based company who create AAC (Augmentative Assistive Communication) devices to help disabled people to communicate and be independent. Since 2003, Smartbox has provided voices for disabled people through innovative hardware and software solutions.SpeakUnique (speakunique.co.uk) develop state-of-the-art voice banking technology, allowing people to create high-quality, personalised synthetic voices. SpeakUnique began in 2012 as a University of Edinburgh research project.