Computer Synthesized Speech Technologies: Tools for Aiding Impairment

While the use of technology to compensate for individual shortcomings is nothing new, there has been tremendous progress in the application of technology toward assisting individuals with disabilities, particularly with the use of computer synthesized speech (CSS) to help speech impaired people communicate using voice. Computer Synthesized Speech Technologies: Tools for Aiding Impairment provides information to current and future practitioners that will allow them to better assist speech disabled individuals who wish to utilize CSS technology. Just as important as the practitioner's knowledge of the latest advances in speech technology, so, too, is the practitioner's understanding of how specific client needs affect the use of CSS, how cognitive factors related to comprehension of CSS affect its use, and how social factors related to perceptions of the CSS user affect their interaction with others. This cutting edge book addresses those topics pertinent to understanding the myriad of concerns involved with the implementation of CSS so that CSS technologies may continue to evolve and improve for speech impaired individuals.