Adaptive Technologies
By: Elliott Ollerhead

What are Adaptive Technologies?

'Adaptive Technology' is a term used to describe assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices or services that help people with different disabilities. (1)


Speech-to-Text Software

The first speech to text technology could comprehend strictly digits. Given the diverse quality
of human dialect, it makes sense that innovators and architects initially centered around numbers. Bell
Laboratories planned in 1952 the "Audrey" framework, which recognized digits talked by a solitary voice.
Ten years later, IBM demonstrated at the 1962 World's Fair its "Shoebox" machine, which could comprehend 16
words in the English language. (2)

An image of the Audrey system being used

The latest technologies can decipher the regular human's speech without training, creating many possibilities
for new applications of the software. This could help us develop highly interactive cell phone functions,
speech-to-text phone messaging and speech-to-text Google searches, as well as conversion of plentiful audio content
such as podcasts. (3)

Text-to-Speech Software

Text to speech software is an adaptive technology that can read digital text out loud. It is commonly reffered
to as "read aloud" technology. TTS Software is extremely compatible, as it can be used on nearly every personal
digital device. With only a few clicks, TTS can take words on a computer or phone, and convert them into audio. It
is very useful with children who are struggling to read, but it can also be used to help users with editing and writing.

An example of a TTS Software

TTS Software helps a wide variety of people, but specifcally it helps people who:

  • Read with difficulty
  • Find it difficult to concentrate while reading
  • Want feedback when writing;
  • Want help with spotting errors when proof-reading
  • Have visual stress when physically reading off paper or a screen;
  • Benefit from the multisensory experience of seeing and hearing.

    • A majority of computers today come with some basic Text-to-Speech software, and almost all of them provide functions and
    controls in their own separate window. In terms of vocal quality, TTS programs use synthesized speech engines.sounding
    speech engines. (4)

    Virtual Keyboard

    A virtual keyboard is a software component that mimics an actual keyboard, by
    letting the user enter characters, either on a touchscreen, or by using a computer mouse.
    The virtual keyboard helps not only people with disabilites, but also bi-lingual users who would
    need to switch between different character sets or alphabets. Although physical keyboards are available
    with different keyboard layouts, the virtual on screen keyboards provide a very strong substitute, while
    working at different stations or on laptops, which usually don't have dual layouts. (5)

    Using a virtual keyboard eliminates any chances of breakage or infection transfer. Additionally, virtual
    keyboards do not require any cleaning, as they have no wires, buttons, or switches, making them very easy to maintain. (6)

    Questions

    1. What was the name of Bell Laboratories first Speech to Text technology?
    2. List 3 types of people that benefit from Text to Speech technology
    3. What are 3 advantages of Virtual Keyboards?

    Answer Key

    Works Cited

    1. "Screen Readers:" WHAT IS ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY, http://www3.sympatico.ca/tamru/resource/what.html

    2. "History of Voice Recognition: from Audrey to Siri." IT Business, www.itbusiness.ca/news/history-of-voice-recognition-from-audrey-to-siri/15008

    3. "What Is Voice-to-Text? - Definition from WhatIs.com." SearchUnifiedCommunications, searchunifiedcommunications.techtarget.com/definition/voice-to-text

    4. "Text to Speech." BDA Technology, bdatech.org/what-technology/text-to-speech/

    5. "Virtual Keyboard." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_keyboard

    6. Beal, Vangie. "Virtual Keyboard." What Is Virtual Keyboard? Webopedia Definition, www.webopedia.com/TERM/V/virtual_keyboard.html