Voice recognition technology, despite its vast potential, has traditionally presented a set of challenges to individuals with speech disabilities. These challenges are primarily due to the technology’s difficulty in comprehending diverse accents, identifying unclear and low-volume speech, and recognizing specific voices or speech impediments.
The Speech Accessibility Project (SAP) aims to enhance speech recognition technology for individuals with diverse speech patterns and disabilities. Improving communication and increasing accessibility in various areas of life such as activities of daily living, enhancing accessibility and independence.
The project is funded by some of the biggest technology companies of Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for the field of speech language pathology to generate significant data to improve speech recognition and quality of life in a variety of diagnoses including Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
The Speech Accessibility Project and Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects speech, resulting in many people finding that their voice technology devices are less effective to use due to these changes. The Speech Accessibility Project is aimed at better automatic speech recognition for people with PD. The goal is that an individual with PD will be able to easily access smart speakers, cell phones, voice menus, and all the other types of information provided via speech.
Recruiting all types of Parkinson’s voices!
To make this project successful, SAP needs all levels of Parkinson’s voices. From early voice changes to more severely impacted speech, all are invited to reach out for screening by our team of highly skilled experts, led by LSVT Global.
SAP is currently collecting speech samples in the United States and Canada from adults with:
- Idiopathic Parkinson Disease (IPD)
- Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA)
- Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
- Post-DBS
- other Parkinsonism’s
Getting started is simple!
Reach out to our team of expert speech clinicians by filling out this survey to learn more about the project and decide if you are interested in participating.
Once enrolled in the study, participants will record their speech by reading simple sentences and responding to questions from their home computer. Participants will be mentored throughout the project by a professional speech clinician. Participants can earn up to $180 for participating and their helper can earn $90.
How can you help?
LSVT Global, Inc is the primary recruiter for the project and provides mentors to assist people in the process. Please encourage anyone you know living with one of these diagnoses to consider participating. Share this flyer with anyone that might be interested!
Summary
The Speech Accessibility Project is working to make significant strides in voice recognition technology, making it more inclusive for individuals with speech disabilities. The project’s focus on overcoming voice recognition challenges, implementing innovative solutions, and enhancing daily communication will have a profound impact on the lives of many.
Thank you for considering participating and helping to spread the word about this important project!
– LSVT Global, Inc
Additional Questions?
Call us at: 1-888-309-6499 or Email us at: speechaccessibility@beckman.illinois.edu