VOICE ASSIST an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device for Vocally Impaired Individuals
Vocal impairment is a communication disorder that is a type of speech or language impairment. The condition of such individuals includes stuttering, impaired articulation, disruption in their normal voice quality, or difficulty speaking clearly, usually caused by issues with the vocal cords or the muscles controlling them. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, by 2022, about 0.32% (540,800 people) of Bangladesh have a speech disability. Vocal impairment adversely affects a child's educational performance or communication in adults.High-tech augmentative and alternative communication devices such as software, mobile apps, and computer programs in Bangla are not yet available to aid vocally disabled patients and students. The Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), PROYASH, and Hope International are the major institutes that support therapeutic and educational facilities in Bangladesh. But they cannot utilize any high-tech AAC devices to aid the students. Recognizing this critical gap, under the guidance of Principal Investigator Md. Tohibul Islam, students from BME 7—Samir Fazal and Siddatul Binta Amdad—have developed Voice Assist.
This device is designed based on research conducted in collaboration with Hope International and PROYASH. Voice Assist serves as an advanced communication tool for individuals with speech and language impairments; when a user clicks a button on this tool, they will be able to engage in everyday conversations. As a result, anyone can easily understand the needs of students or individuals who cannot speak. Compared to other tools currently in use, this device is more effective because it is easy to understand and particularly suitable for expressing thoughts. Additionally, the tool will assist students in learning the alphabet, helping them grasp concepts more effectively. It can be used to instantly attract attention and quickly receive assistance. Ultimately, it will simplify the learning process and enhance educational effectiveness. Hope Autism School, Proyash, and CRP will use the device for the rehabilitation of children with special needs and education.
This project has garnered recognition through an MoU between MIST BME and Ankur International (USA) and received a 3 lakh BDT research grant. Additionally, we received a 1.6 lakhs research grant from the Centre of Army Research and Development (CARD), MIST. Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman SBP OSP SGP psc, Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan BSP, ndc, hdmc, psc, PhD, and Maj Gen Md Nasim Parvez, BSP, ndc, afwc, psc. personally visited and witnessed a live demonstration of the device in action.
Research Team
- Lecturer, Md. Tohibul Islam (Principal Investigator)
Department of Biomedical Engineering, MIST
- Samir Fazal and Siddatul Binta Amdad (BME-7)
Department of Biomedical Engineering, MIST