The experience of speech recognition software abandonment by adolescents with physical disabilities

There is a high rate of speech recognition software (SRS) abandonment by adolescent students with physical disabilities.

This study sought to describe the experience of adolescents & their parents, who experienced abandonment of SRS.

Using a narrative inquiry method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three adolescents with a physical disability (and two parents). The individual narratives were transcribed and analyzed using plot-solution and three-dimensional space narrative elements.

Participants' descriptions of their experiences of abandonment emerged along four descriptive themes: (a) they didn't tell me the whole story, (b) I know how to use it, it's just not worth the time and effort, (c) it's just not the right fit for me or my needs, (d) there's an easier way!

Participants believed the SRS was not an adequate fit for their needs or their specific disabilities and so resorted to alternative methods of written communication. A better understanding of the compatibility of the client's needs with the strengths & limitations of the technology, may improve the prescription and intervention process for both therapists & their clients.