Carrie Bruce

Linguistic characteristics of AAC discourse in the workplace

This study examines linguistic co-occurrence patterns in the discourse of individuals with communication impairments who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in the workplace by comparing them to those of non-AAC users in similar job settings. A typical workweek (≈ 40 hours) per focal participant (four AAC; four non-AAC) was recorded and transcribed to create a specialized corpus of workplace discourse of approximately 464,000 words at the time of this analysis. A multidimensional analysis of co-occurrence patterns along functional linguistic dimensions, following Biber (1988, 1995) [Variation across Speech and Writing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; Dimensions of Register Variation: A Cross-Linguistic Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press], reveals differences in the macro discourse characteristics of AAC vis-a-vis non-AAC texts. Results indicate that AAC texts make use of more informational, non-narrative, and explicit textual features of discourse than their non-AAC counterparts. Implications to improve the capabilities of AAC devices to produce speech that matches baseline expectations of co-workers in the workplace are discussed.

Designing Interactive Sonification for Live Aquarium Exhibits

In response to the need for more accessible and engaging informal learning environments (ILEs), researchers have studied sonification for use in interpretation of live aquarium exhibits. The present work attempts to introduce more interactivity to the project’s existing sonification work, which is expected to lead to more accessible and interactive learning opportunities for visitors, including children and people with vision impairment. In this interactive sonification environment, visitors can actively experience an exhibit by using tangible objects to mimic the movement of animals. Sonifications corresponding to their movement can be paired with real-time animal-based sonifications produced by the existing system to generate a musical fugue. In the current paper, we describe the system configurations, experiment results for optimal sonification parameters and interaction levels, and implications in terms of embodied interaction and interactive learning.

Development and Evaluation of the Environment and Communication Assessment Toolkit with Speech-Language Pathologists

Communication dysfunction that results from dementia can be exacerbated by environmental barriers such as inadequate lighting, noisy conditions, poor or absent environmental cues, and visual clutter. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) should address these environmental barriers as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for clients with dementia. The Environment and Communication Assessment Toolkit for Dementia Care (ECAT) was evaluated by SLPs to determine: (1) changes in awareness of environmental factors prior to and after training; (2) impact of the ECAT on practice as measured by changes in the number of environmental modifications recommended and made prior to and after training; (3) utility of the information as measured by the helpfulness, amount of new information, and usefulness of the ECAT; and (4) usability of the ECAT materials based on ease of use. The SLPs used the ECAT with clients with dementia who had functional limitations and required substantial assistance with daily activities. Results indicate that the ECAT is an effective tool for SLPs, providing information about the impact of the environment on communication and supplying sufficient resources to make recommendations and implement effective interventions. The ECAT successfully increased awareness of environmental modifications, influenced the practice of recommending environmental modifications, and had utility in diverse aspects of clinical practice.

Preparing Home Health Clients for Work Opportunities With Workplace Accommodation

Few people with chronic health conditions actively engage in work activities. Yet workplace accommodations including assistive technologies and more accessible environments are creating the potential for more employment opportunities. Occupational therapists are trained to assist clients in maximizing participation in self-care, work activities, and leisure. Home health services often address self-care and leisure; however, little attention is given to home health discharge planning directed at transitions to work. This article explores some of the policies that affect work opportunities for people with disabilities, some workplace accommodations that can be used to increase access to the workplace and maximize capacities of persons with disabilities to complete job tasks, and implications for how home health occupational therapy practitioners can facilitate referrals and inform client decisions about workplace accommodations.

Designing effective sound-based aquarium exhibit interpretation for visitors with vision impairments

Sound-based exhibit interpretation at aquariums has the potential to more effectively mediate visitor-exhibit interaction and support participation for visitors with vision impairments. However, existing interpretation strategies do not adequately convey dynamic animal information to visitors with vision impairments. In an effort to improve access, we are developing research-based guidelines for sound-based exhibit interpretation including audio tours, interpretive staff presentations, and a real-time information delivery system. This poster reports on proposed and completed user-centered design activities.

Model Integrating Assistive Technology Use and Human Performance for People with Disabilities

The ageing workforce and returning veterans have generated a heightened awareness of the need to accommodate people with disabilities in the workplace. A critical factor in developing useful accommodations is being able to accurately quantify the abilities of the person and the demands of the environment. Human factors specialists are often involved with measuring human capabilities and environmental factors with the aim of improving human performance. However, the use of assistive technology (AT) is typically not considered in the development of such assessment models. This paper presents a theoretical framework for the integration of AT into a process model for assessing human performance.

A Computer Training Program for the Schools for the Blind in Kenya

There is growing interest in developing effective strategies for supporting information and communications technology (ICT) adoption and implementation in Kenya, particularly within the educational sector. However, while there is awareness that access to education through ICT should be equitable for all students, individuals with disabilities, especially those with vision impairments, are generally the lowest priority group. Despite the potential usefulness of ICT for students with vision impairments, most of the schools in Kenya have not been successful at building an effective computer lab program to train students in computer skills and to use computers for academics. This article reports the work of inABLE, an organization dedicated to effectively implementing ICT and empowering students with vision impairments through technology. We discuss the challenges and efforts to address sufficient infrastructure, administrative and personnel support, equipment, and curriculum development necessary to develop a successful computer training program in the Kenyan schools for the blind. Copyright of Journal of Blindness Innovation & Research is the property of National Federation of the Blind and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holders express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. For access to this entire article and additional high quality information, please check with your college/university library, local public library, or affiliated institution. Important User Information: Remote access to EBSCOs databases is permitted to patrons of subscribing institutions accessing from remote locations for personal, non-commercial use. However, remote access to EBSCOs databases from non-subscribing institutions is not allowed if the purpose of the use is for commercial gain through cost reduction or avoidance for a nonsubscribing institution. Privacy Policy Terms of Use Copyright

The Role of Human Factors in Older Worker Retention: What do we Know and what will we Need to Know?

In less than two years the oldest of the baby boom cohort will begin to turn 65 and the projected mass exodus of the older workforce will begin—or will it? With the recent change in the economy and loss of trillions of dollars in retirement savings, many older workers will most likely need to work slightly longer than expected. Additionally, companies will be in need of retaining their most experienced employees or they will need to recruit experienced workers from other places. The goal of this discussion panel is to provide the latest data on ways we can utilize human factors and ergonomics interventions to retain older workers. Panel discussants are divided between industry and academia, and they will address: 1) issues related to common injuries of the older worker and ways to reduce them, 2) work factors significant to the retention of older workers, and 3) retaining older workers who have disabilities.