Understanding and reducing the abandonment of High tech AAC (Augmentative Assistive Communication) Devices

Augmentative and Assistive Communication (AAC) devices, often called communication aids, help people communicate as effectively as possible when speech is impaired. Data suggests that AAC device usage can decrease over time, even when the benefits to the individual's well-being are clear. The aim of this project is to understand what factors cause someone to stop using their AAC device. By adopting a system-aware design approach, we will investigate all determining factors.

When used effectively, an AAC device can help someone living with complex disabilities to:

* communicate with a personalised text-to-speech voice
* control the environment around them remotely
* engage with social media, email and messaging in an accessible way
* comprehend text through symbolised content

_"It has completely changed my life, I can express myself again."_ - Rob Burrow MBE, former rugby league scrum-half and user of Smartbox and SpeakUnique products, speaking to The Guardian. (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/07/rob-and-lindsey-burrow)

Understanding how AAC is implemented and how to maximise the potential of a device, both from the point of view of the user and of the supporter, can be a complicated process. To fully explore the AAC implementation process we are co-designing the research methodology with four stakeholders, including direct users and persons who support AAC users. Throughout the project we will conduct interviews with key opinion leaders as well as surveys of professionals, users and advocates. Our data collection will also be strengthened by a mini systematic review of literature on device abandonment and AAC user success.

Smartbox and SpeakUnique will work in partnership and through collaboration with our network of AAC users, families, and professionals, will identify the root causes of device abandonment and propose solutions that will lay the foundations of next generation AAC products.

**About us**

Smartbox (thinksmartbox.com) is a UK based company who create AAC (Augmentative Assistive Communication) devices to help disabled people to communicate and be independent. Since 2003, Smartbox has provided voices for disabled people through innovative hardware and software solutions.

SpeakUnique (speakunique.co.uk) develop state-of-the-art voice banking technology, allowing people to create high-quality, personalised synthetic voices. SpeakUnique began in 2012 as a University of Edinburgh research project.