Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)

Automatic Speech Recognition:

According to the AT Internet Module, the students with a wide variety of learning and motor difficulties can benefit from Automatic Speech Recognition. Typically ASR is free (built into Windows and MAC operating systems)  or relatively inexpensive. ASR is now more portable through wireless phones, tablet computers, and hand held devices.  

Who Benefits from ASR?:

*Students who struggle with spelling will find that written words produced from their spoken input will be correctly spelled. 

*For students who struggle with the actual mechanics of writing, verbally communicating their thoughts into written text allows them to focus on the more complex cognitive tasks of reorganization and revision.  With ASR, these students can begin to write at a level that matches their ability or grade level.

*Any student who has difficulty with the writing process can benefit from ASR as it enables them to get their thoughts on paper.  Once their thoughts are expressed in written format, these students can more easily edit and revise their work.

*ASR can replace the traditional keyboard and mouse for students with physical access difficulties. By using ASR, these students can use the Internet, read email, and access a wide range of software applications.

*Any student who wants to increase their typing speed and accuracy can benefit from ASR. 

*For all students, a main objective of ASR is to help them develop a usable skill that can be ultimately transferred to the workplace.

Automatic Speech Recognition at Cabrini's Disability Resource Center:

As I have discussed in prior blog posts, ASR like Read and Write Gold, has been 
extraordinarily helpful for many of Cabrini's DRC Students.  The attached link outlines a checklist for Voice Recognition Considerations much like the AT Considerations checklist I included in my last post.  Similarly, I think that this checklist would be quite beneficial for Cabrini's DRC as a way to help us better understand and serve the needs of our students

http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/up_doc/Voice_Recognition_Considerations.pdf