This paper proposes a new system to translate an Arabic Sign Language (ArSL). The system consists of two sub-systems: the first, Speech to ArSL translation Subsystem. This sub-system is mainly based on the speech recognition engine. The second is ArSL to speech translation subsystem to translate the images of signs into speech, mainly based on…

This preliminary study aimed to examine improvement in eye contact among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) following an innovative technological intervention integrated with meta-cognitive guidance. Eighteen ASD participants, ages 5-9 years, were divided into two equal intervention groups--one received metacognitive guidance, and one…

Due to loss of spoken language and resulting complex communication needs, people with Rett syndrome are obvious candidates for communication intervention. To advance evidence-based practice and guide future research efforts, we identified and summarized 16 communication intervention studies published since a previous 2009 review on this topic.…

Text-to-speech (TTS) technology is a common accommodation available for students with disabilities. Despite the ubiquitous nature of TTS, this technology has not been explored in laboratory settings for neurodiverse college students. This study explores the adaptability of laboratory accessible TTS technology (originally developed for blind/low…

Background: Successful communication is vital to quality of life. One group commonly facing speech and communication difficulties is individuals with intellectual disability (ID). A novel route to encourage clear speech is offered by mainstream smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Alexa and Google Home). Smart speakers offer four factors important for…

Purpose: This study examined changes in datalogging for children attending an auditory-oral educational program with integrated audiology services versus children attending a mainstream or nonspecialized program. Method: Eighty children participated in this study, half of which were enrolled in an auditory-oral educational program versus the…

This study assessed the effectiveness of a learning module we developed for planning students aimed to enhance their understanding for design issues in public spaces faced by wheelchair users. The module involves training of students to effectively navigate the environment in a wheelchair before they experience the real outdoor spaces. Through…

A science camp for blind or visually impaired (BVI) students, covering mainly hands-on chemistry experiments, is described. The scientific experiments are detailed, and the feedback of the students is recorded, highlighting the benefits of the camp and its impact. BVI students actively participated in conducting the scientific experiments using…

Higher education institutions require innovative work integrated learning models to deliver sufficient and appropriate practice opportunities for students. This study describes the experience of an interprofessional placement course by students enrolled in a prosthetic and orthotic degree at a regional university in Australia. Twelve…

The implementation of technology in home-based services takes place in contextualised socio-material practices negotiated through interactions between a diversity of actors. Prerequisites for succeeding in this process are time and competence, and that use of the technology is experienced as meaningful, for both the support staff and the resident.…

Purpose: Despite the recommendation for cochlear implant (CI) processor use during all waking hours, variability in average daily wear time remains high. Previous work has shown that objective wear time is significantly correlated with speech recognition outcomes. We aimed to investigate the causal link between daily wear time and speech…

An A-B-A-B withdrawal design was used to explore the effects of a text-to-speech (TTS) program (Read & Write Gold 11) on reading comprehension scores for two fourth-grade students with learning disabilities in an urban school. For each session, students used the TTS program to read a fourth-grade-level comprehension passage. The number of…

Within the US there are over 300 postsecondary education (PSE) programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). College students enrolled in PSE programs for students with IDD often require support in using assistive technology (AT) to complete living, learning, and working tasks. To date, there is no systematic review…

Background: Challenging behaviours are common among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Such behaviours often result in poor quality of life outcomes such as physical injury, difficulties with relationships and community integration. Aim: This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence from studies that assessed the effect…

Objectives: The two-fold purpose of this feasibility study was to determine if (a) self-regulated strategy development intervention would improve the writing skills of a child who uses cochlear implants and (b) if self-regulated strategy development intervention would improve the reading comprehension skills of a child who uses cochlear implants.…