We will develop a functional apparatus of a pre-assembled, user-ready, wearable, multi-modal, Interpersonal Communications System (ICS). This ICS will facilitate access to spoken, and written language for sensory and cognitively disabled workers in the retail and clerical industries. The structural design will allow the user freedom of movement by virtue of its wireless, lightweight, portable and ergonomic design. Augmentive and assistive communications technology specifications will conform to criteria established by the researcher using empirical data obtained during two previous studies on assistive technology and user preferences in a vocational setting. The ICS will: 1) establish parameters for optimum internal systems compatibility; and, 2) demonstrate portability and ergonomic design in a poly-modal speech to text / text to speech software and hardware configuration.The ICS is designed to be worn by the user. It will epitomize conservation of weight and equal distribution of mass for optimal load bearing. The configuration will afford the user comfort, independence and mobility while communicating in the workplace. Workers with visual, hearing or cognitive disabilities can overcome expressive and/or receptive barriers to communication by accessing one of eight model voice-recognition and optical character recognition (OCR) software configurations proven reliable in two prior clinical trials.Summary of anticipated results and implications:During Phase I we will develop a functional apparatus of the ICS and complete an analysis of the integrated system consisting of software, hardware, and housing. In Phase II we will develop and test a working prototype of the ICS. We will demonstrate the efficacy of the ICS in an open environment, i.e. a retail training environment for use by members of the target group. The potential commercial applications include: product sales to: (1) organizations that place individuals with sensory and cognitive disabilities into private sector employment, e.g., Goodwill Industries; (2) organizations with primary responsibility for assessing, recommending and purchasing accommodations for individuals with disabilities including: State Vocational Rehabilitation, State Services for the Blind, Developmental Services, and the public school system; and, (3) federal agencies which share collateral responsibility for training disabled workers under the Jobs Training and Partnership Act, such as Job Corps and the Civilian Conservation Centers.
