An expert system for use in the prescription of electronic augmentative and alternative communication devices

Abstract

A prototype expert system (PES) has been developed to prescribe electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices based on device selection technique for a nonspeaking population. An expert system offers many advantages to a variety of problem-solving activities and, in particular, to AAC device prescription. The appropriate device selection technique depends on the individual's capabilities and needs. Rules representing these relationships were developed and programmed on an IBM″ Personal Computer AT using the M.1^®expert system development tool. The performance of the PES was evaluated by comparing computer-generated recommendations for selection technique to 10 case histories of nonspeaking individuals. Independently, a speech-language pathologist rated the performance of the PES using the same case histories. Results of this study demonstrate successful construction of the PES to the extent that its recommendations agreed with those in the case histories and of the speech-language pathologist 90% of the time.

• artificial intelligence
• electronic communication device
• expert system (ES)
• prescription