Software helps children with disabilities tell stories (from the BBC)

Software ‘gives children a voice’

Pupils with communication problems have been testing the software Scientists claim to have developed the first technology of its kind to allow children with communication problems to converse better. ‘How was school today?’ is software to help children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy communicate faster. The system is the result of a project between computing scientists from the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee, and Capability Scotland. Dr Ehud Reiter, from the University of Aberdeen’s school of natural and computing sciences, said: “How was school today? uses sensors, swipe cards, and a recording device to gather information on what the child using the system has experienced at school that day. “This can then be turned into a story by the computer – using what is called natural language generation – which the pupils can then share when they get home. “The system is designed to support a more interactive narration, allowing children to easily talk about their school day and to quickly answer questions.” full story at:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/north_east/8081410.stm