Evaluation of a voice activated environmental control system for disabled people

Abstract

Advances in speech recognition technology may in future allow the severely disabled to gain greater control over their environment. VADAS (Voice activated domestic appliance system) is a voice recognition and mains signalling system that was marketed for use by the disabled. We have evaluated VADAS using 19 severely disabled patients living in the community. Only seven of the 19 found VADAS to be an effective environmental control system over a period of four weeks. Major difficulties in achieving voice recognition leading to annoyance and frustration were experienced by the remaining 12. Only one of the eight long-term users of Possum PSU 3 preferred VADAS. The over-the-mains signalling system functioned well in 18 of the 19 homes. We suggest that over-the-mains signalling should be incorporated into 'standard' environmental control systems available from the DHSS, allowing a reduction in cost and size. VADAS is one available option for switching, although further development work is necessary to make it easier and safer to operate.