Towards a narrative-based augmentative communication system

Augmentative communication systems enable non-speaking people to communicate using letters, words, phrases and sentences. Few systems provide support for longer lengths of text despite the fact that most day-to-day conversation is characterised by 'story telling'. This paper discusses the need for communication systems to facilitate this type of interaction, whilst allowing for other modes of communication. A case history detailing the use of a prototype system with an adult with dysphasia illustrates that providing augmentative communication should not be restricted to expression of 'needs and wants', but should enable the non-speaking individual to share past experience and future hopes.