Sp 6. Speech Accessibility Project: on speech recognition models, collaboration with tech giants, and the role of SLPs

In this conversation, Dr. Mark Hasegawa-Johnson (LinkedIn, Google Scholar), professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois, and Clarion Mendes (LinkedIn), a professor of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois, discuss the Speech Accessibility Project, which aims to improve speech recognition technology for individuals with speech impairments. They explore the evolution of speech recognition, the variability of speech impairments, the role of clinicians, the recording process, collaborations with tech giants, data privacy challenges, and the diverse populations involved in the project. They emphasize the importance of communication in daily life and express excitement about the future of speech recognition technology.

Useful links from the episode:

• Contribute to the Speech Accessibility Project: https://saa.beckman.illinois.edu/

• Participate in the challenge competition: https://eval.ai/web/challenges/challenge-page/2362/overview

This episode was powered by:

• Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE) at the University of Washington

• Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)