Page 153 - AI for Good Innovate for Impact

AI for Good Innovate for Impact

2 Use Case Description

2�1 Description

A speech disorder, also referred to as speech impairment or speech impediment, is a condition 4.1-Healthcare
that affects an individual's ability to produce the sounds necessary to form words effectively [1].
This often manifests as difficulties in articulation, where speech sounds are substituted, omitted,
added, or distorted. Speech disorder is a common condition with individual dysarthria, non-
verbal autism, or individuals with neurodevelopmental issues in general.

Speech is a fundamental means of expressing thoughts and emotions. However, individuals
with speech disorders face communication challenges that can negatively affect their self-
esteem and overall quality of life. Various support strategies exist to address these difficulties.
Traditional therapy approaches may include sign language, symbol systems, or communication
boards. Recent advancements in technology have introduced Assistive Technology (AT),
such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, which offer support to
enhance communication. AAC tools are fundamental in helping individuals with speech
disorders overcome communication challenges, offering alternative ways to express needs
and desires. They encompass a wide range of assistive strategies and devices, such as an
application that allows users to build sentences by tapping icons. AAC supports learning, helps
develop language and cognitive skills, and improves societal inclusion by enabling individual
participation.

This use case proposes an AI-powered AAC tool that can turn unintelligible speech with speech
disabilities into intelligible and clear speech to enhance their communication independence.
While traditional AAC tools provide crucial support, the integration of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) into AAC and other assistive technologies is an emerging field with substantial potential
to offer more personalized, adaptive, and effective interventions for individuals with speech
disorders, and be incorporated into their wider health therapy [2].

2�2 Benefits of the use case

This AI-powered AAC device provides individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions an
effective means of communication. The inability to express thoughts and emotions often leads
to frustration, which can escalate into anxiety and stress. By enabling individuals to communicate
their needs and emotions, this technology alleviates frustration, improves mental well-being,
and enhances interpersonal relationships, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.

Moreover, this AI-powered AAC device promotes social inclusion. Communication barriers
often result in social isolation for individuals, limiting their participation in everyday interactions.
By empowering them with a reliable means of expression, this tool fosters engagement in
conversations, promotes social interaction, and helps reduce biases and inequalities they may
face.

Additionally, the continuous use of this assistive AI tool strengthens learning and communication
skills. Beyond serving as a communication aid, it functions as an AI-assisted therapy tool,
complementing multidisciplinary treatment approaches. By encouraging consistent
engagement and practice, it enhances cognitive and linguistic abilities, aiding personal
development and educational growth.

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