EyeTrack4all
Expansion of the User Group for Gaze-Controlled Augmentative and Alternative Communication through the Development of New Processes for Gaze Control
Project duration: 01.10.2013 - 30.06.2016
Principal investigator: Prof. Dr. Ingrid Kollak
Project staff:
Dr. Maxine Saborowski, Claudia Nuß, Anna Lena Grans, Julia Belaschky
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Abstract:
The EyeTrack4all research project aims to make gaze control available to more people to use as an access method in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
People with limited capacity for spoken communication, either due to congenital impairments or acquired damage, can communicate via augmentative and alternative communication tools. Today, for example, they have access to AAC speech devices. For these devices to be used successfully, they need to be easy and reliable to control. Eye control has therefore become an important access method for people with severe motor impairment. The EyeTrack4all project aims to examine which problems arise in the use of gaze control in augmentative and alternative communication, and how these problems can be resolved. Firstly, we will analyse communication interfaces and learning software, to see if they can be used with eye control. Secondly, the individuals will be observed in their use of augmentative and alternative communication tools with relatives, therapists, and other personnel. What are the expectations around the use of gaze control, and what guidelines are available to therapists? The findings will allow users to enjoy individual and independent communication using speech output devices, and thus grant them greater autonomy and inclusion.
The intended result is a recommendation for family members and healthcare professionals on how to use gaze control as a tool for a larger group of users.
Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research - "FHprofUnt 2012" as part of the program "Forschung an Fachhochschulen"
Publications in English:
- Maxine Saborowski, Claudia Nuß, Ingrid Kollak: „Taking a closer look at user-technology relationships: a network model“. Tagungsband „Stadt der Zukunft“ der Beuth Hochschule Berlin, im Druck, erscheint im Sommer 2015, 5 S. .
- Maxine Saborowski, Claudia Nuss, Ingrid Kollak: „How to conceptualise AAC user-technology relationships: a study on eye control“. Poster presentation (No. 429), international ISAAC conference in Lisbon, Portugal, July 22th, 2014.
Key words: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Gaze Control, Assistive Technologies
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