Key Points:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being developed to assist people with disabilities in communicating.
- A company called Project Relate has created an AI-enabled app that uses deep learning algorithms to translate nonstandard speech into understandable language.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being developed to assist people with disabilities in communicating. One such tool, Project Relate, is an AI-enabled app that uses deep learning algorithms to translate nonstandard speech into understandable language. The app has been downloaded by thousands of users since its release in 2021.
The technology used in Project Relate involves algorithms built on thousands of recordings of people with speech disabilities, and is trained on an individual user’s voice pattern. This allows the app to recognize and understand speech with an accuracy of 80% to 90%, even for those who are highly unintelligible.
Other companies are also developing similar AI tools specifically tailored to individuals with serious speech impairments, such as those resulting from cerebral palsy or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). These tools make use of generative AI technology to allow individuals with major mobility disabilities to express themselves.
For example, a woman named Amie Thornburg, who has ALS and has lost most movement in her limbs, uses an AI art tool called Fotor to create digital images. The software follows her eye movements to type the prompts, allowing her to create art despite her physical limitations.
The development of these AI tools has greatly improved the ability of people with disabilities to communicate and express themselves. The technology has become more advanced in recent years, allowing for greater accuracy and ease of use.
However, while these AI tools are a valuable resource, they are not meant to replace human interaction and understanding. Amie Thornburg’s husband, for example, has developed his own way of understanding her without the use of machines. He can interpret her looks and expressions to understand what she is trying to communicate.
Overall, AI tools for communication are an important development in the field of assistive technology. They enable individuals with disabilities to communicate more effectively and express themselves in ways that were not previously possible. The continued advancement and improvement of these tools will greatly benefit the lives of people with disabilities.