|
Award Abstract #9760018
SBIR Phase I: Speech Assisted Braille Math
| NSF Org: |
IIP
Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships
|
|
|
| Initial Amendment Date: |
December 11, 1997 |
|
| Latest Amendment Date: |
December 11, 1997 |
|
| Award Number: |
9760018 |
|
| Award Instrument: |
Standard Grant |
|
| Program Manager: |
Sara B. Nerlove
IIP Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships
ENG Directorate for Engineering
|
|
| Start Date: |
January 1, 1998 |
|
| Expires: |
June 30, 1998 (Estimated) |
|
| Awarded Amount to Date: |
$99128 |
|
| Investigator(s): |
Sally Mangold hholman@exceptionalteaching.com (Principal Investigator)
|
|
| Sponsor: |
EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING AID
5673 W LAS POSITAS BLVD
PLEASANTON, CA 94588 510/582-4859
|
|
| NSF Program(s): |
RES IN DISABILITIES ED
|
|
| Field Application(s): |
0000099 Other Applications NEC
|
|
| Program Reference Code(s): |
SMET, 9180, 1138
|
|
| Program Element Code(s): |
1545
|
ABSTRACT
A shortage of well-trained Braille teachers increases while case loads that may span hundreds of miles soar. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Exceptional Teaching Aids will create unique speech-assisted Braille mathematics in the form of a stand-alone self-study system. Speech Assisted Learning (SAL) system utilizes synthesized speech for tutorials, verification of Braille symbols, and feedback. No keyboarding skills are required. The overall objective of Phase I is to determine whether visually impaired individuals can augment Braille math instruction via the SAL. The research design includes developing a prototype, developing curriculum, and evaluating human performance. Successful research and development of such a system will benefit visually impaired persons of all ages having a variety of abilities and needs. The versatility and user friendliness of the proposed SAL system makes it broadly appealing and would greatly increase Braille math literacy. For the first time, Braille math instruction will be available in schools, offices, libraries, government agencies, or community centers. Moreover, instruction in all academic areas could be offered.
Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.
|
