MEA: designing a multimodal email support tool for persons with Aphasia

Abstract

We describe the design of an assistive email interface for persons with aphasia who have problems in reading, writing, and or speaking. The email interface was designed by consulting persons with aphasia, their therapists and partners. Writing support such as readymade sentences and recommendations of words from free hand drawing were introduced. The application is suitable to be used in smart phone/tablet pc and highly praised by the therapists and persons with aphasia. Our user studies showed that the application has potential for persons with aphasia due to its simplicity in use and alternative means of language support while composing email messages.