After successful completion of the course, students are able to analyse communication problems caused by disability. They know about most important forms of augmentative and alternative communication and can assign their use to disability types. They are able to draft user interfaces which minimise the influence of disabilites. They have an overview of current innovations and research projects in the subject area.

Basics of communication

• Communication with and about people with disabilities (Political Correctness)
• Communication impairments
• Classification of communication aids
• Methods of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)
• Assistive Technologies for alternative and augmentative communication
• Ethical issues
• Communication aspects in Ambient Assisted Living (AAL)
• Communication apsects in Social robotics and Human Robot Interaction (HRI)

Introduction into the topic, presentation of examples and methods and discussion

 For the first part of each block slides and slides with pre-recorded audio lecture will be offered for self study. From 12:00 to 13:00 as second part of each block a live ZOOM session will be offered to discuss potential open questions. Participation is as required, i.e. voluntary

The actual modality of the course (on-site, online, hybrid) will take into account the number of students, the mix of background knowledge (e.g. medical or media informatics) and will be announced in the course and handled in a flexible way. .

This lecture was the replacement for the VO Kommunikationstechnik für behinderte und alte Menschen (383.041) and was held by Prof. Zagler. After his retirement it is now offered again.

ECTS Breakdown:

28h Lecture
21h Literature study
25h Preparation for exam
  1h Exam
----------------------------------------
75h Sum = 3 ECTS

Written exam (ca. 10 questions) which is typically offered 3 times per term. No additinal means allowed (= Closed Book Exam).

Slides are made available after the lecture via TISS.