AAC fit and support
AAC outcomes depend on the person, access method, environment, and communication partners.
Read sourceResearch and comparison
Built with the field, not against it.
Cadence is an early communication prototype. It is designed to complement, not replace, AAC assessment, dedicated access systems, voice banking, or established AAC software. These sources explain the design choices and the boundaries of our claims.
Where Cadence fits
| Category | What it addresses | Cadence's complementary role |
|---|---|---|
Established AAC systems Symbol boards, text-to-speech apps, and dedicated AAC software | Established AAC tools provide vocabulary, symbols, text, speech, and configurable access methods. Source: ASHA AAC Practice Portal | Cadence is a complementary live-conversation layer. It stages short options from the current conversation, while the person chooses every word. |
Predictive text research Google SpeakFaster | SpeakFaster studies language-model assisted text entry for AAC users, including motor-action savings in offline simulation and user evaluation. Source: SpeakFaster, Nature Communications | Cadence takes inspiration from multiple candidate choices, then focuses on a live room transcript, quick reactions, repair, floor-holding, and user-led openers. |
Personal voice and live speech Apple Personal Voice and Live Speech | Personal Voice and Live Speech help people create or choose a voice and type text for speech output. Source: Apple Accessibility | Cadence offers browser device speech or selected cloud speech, plus an optional writing-style card to guide wording. It does not claim to replace voice banking or cloning. |
Atypical-speech recognition Voiceitt | Voiceitt is designed to recognize a person's non-standard speech for communication, dictation, and captions. Source: Voiceitt | Cadence instead listens to the surrounding conversation and can turn a short spoken or typed idea into candidate replies. These are different needs and can be complementary. |
Dedicated eye-gaze AAC Tobii Dynavox eye-gaze systems | Dedicated products support eye gaze, touch, and switch access across comprehensive AAC solutions. Source: Tobii Dynavox overview | Cadence's local-camera eye-gaze focus is an experimental browser access option. It is not a substitute for a dedicated eye-tracking system or AAC assessment. |
Research used
Design evidence, clearly attributed.
AAC abandonment
Effort, training, support, and fit can affect adoption.
Read sourceEye control and switch scanning
Access-method choice should consider both performance and qualitative feedback.
Read sourceCognitive accessibility
Limiting distractions and unnecessary content helps people stay focused on their task.
Read sourceWCAG 2.2
Target size, keyboard access, and visible focus are baseline web-access considerations.
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