Visualisation to assist non-speaking users of augmentative communication systems

Many non-speaking people use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to assist them to communicate with other people. Access to an AAC system is generally slow for its user, who may have other disabilities as well as being non-speaking. An AAC system can contain stored words, messages and stories for use in communication, and there can be a large quantity of such information for the user to search through and select from while he or she is trying to participate in conversation. New user interface techniques are required to assist a user to navigate through the information stored in an AAC system and select appropriate items for use during live conversation. Information visualisation techniques may be able to assist a user to overview and appraise the contents of an AAC system as part of that selection process, and therefore improve its efficiency of use. This paper outlines key AAC issues and explores visualisation techniques which may be of value in an AAC context.