Speech recognition software as an assistive device: a pilot study of user satisfaction and psychosocial impact

The purpose of this study was to gather data concerning the psychosocial (quality of life) impact of speech recognition software on individuals with physical disabilities and to identify how satisfied these individuals were with this software as a computer access method. Two standardized questionnaires, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST) were administered to ten participants with physical disabilities who received speech recognition software following an assistive technology evaluation. The results of this study indicated that 90% of the participants were quite satisfied with speech recognition software as an assistive device and that the software had a somewhat positive psychosocial impact on their lives. Four themes emerged concerning what the participants liked most about the software: 1) the software provided a method of access when they were not previously accessing a computer, 2) the software increased independence, 3) the software made computer use more efficient, and 4) the software provided a choice or flexibility in computer access. Although this study demonstrated that these speech recognition software users are generally satisfied with the software and it has had a positive impact on their life, it also suggests that there is a need to examine the role of training on satisfaction and successful use of the software.