Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)

Following the modules about the AT Assessment Process in the School Environment and AT Consideration in the IEP Process, I wanted to learn more about Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and continued with the corresponding module.

According to ATinternetmodules.org, "ASR provides an alternative by automatically producing correctly spelled, written words from spoken input".  One thing that stuck out to me from the module was how accessible ASR is for students and how accurate it is.  In one example, Kevin, a quadriplegic used ASR to type 125 words per minute!  He was unable to access a traditional keyboard, but he used ASR to "create written documents, design websites, create PowerPoint presentations, and access the Internet resources" completely independently.

ASR would be beneficial for students with poor fine motor skills (which would make writing a challenge), students who find writing quickly to be a laborious effort that quickly becomes overwhelming and creates anxiety, or students who have difficulty translating their thoughts into written words.

I have not seen an ASR device in use at all, but after completing the module I feel comfortable suggesting it as an AT option.  It seems to be effective for many types of students and there are plenty of resources out there to help both teachers and students become adjusted to this type of technology.

Module: Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)