Speech-Recognition Technology Aid For Those With Dysarthria

Soon sufferers from dysarthria and others who have difficulties communicating clearly and completely will be able to communicate better and also control appliances using special tools and a newly developed speech-recognition system and speech-synthesis module.

Dysarthria is an impaired articulatory ability resulting from defects in the peripheral motor nerves or in the muscles that control speech. It is one of a family of motor speech disorders which includes neurological trauma and conditions such as cerebral palsy, a loss or deficiency of motor control with involuntary spasms caused by permanent brain damage present at birth. This condition severely restricts the ability to communicate with others.

To enable a person with dysarthria to communicate with others, speech technologies are essential to improve their communication and at the same time enable them to control assistive devices to operate home appliances and other things in daily life.

Realizing that standard speech-recognition technology is not enough to enable communication by people with dysarthria, the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre’s (Nectec) Assistive Technology Centre (Astec) has been working on a project to develop speech-enhancers as well as tools for people with these difficulties.

As a division of Nectec, Astec is dedicated to the research, development, design, and engineering of assistive technology and devices to help people with disabilities to access information and use computers effectively. Other projects are the write-and-talk word-processor for children; the talker, a speech output communication program for non-speaking persons; and Opal, a hand-held communication device for non-speaking persons.

Prakasith Kayasith, Astec’s research assistant, said the project’s main objective is to use speech technology to improve social communication and to control common electronic devices in houses, for example to open windows or doors, to turn a television on or off and, more importantly, to call for help.

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