Kerala engg colleges develop devices to help kids with communication disorders

The initiative is a part of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (AKTU) and the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) efforts to develop ‘Made in Kerala’ indigenous alternative communication devices.

As per a report published in The Hindu, various engineering colleges in Kerala were asked to develop indigenous version of an entry-level AAC device that was simple, reliable, user-friendly and affordable. Now, these colleges have come out with prototypes for AAC devices. 

The initiative is a part of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (AKTU) and the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) efforts to develop ‘Made in Kerala’ indigenous alternative communication (AAC) devices. 

College of Engineering, Adoor, Vidya Academy of Science and Technology Technical Campus, Federal Institute of Science and Technology, Royal College of Engineering and Technology, Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology, MGM College of Engineering and Technology, Muthoot Institute of Science, and Vidya Academy of Science and Technology have already submitted their models for evaluation. 

MS Rajasree, Vice-Chancellor, KTU, said the project is in line with the university’s vision of utilising the skills of faculty, colleges and students to develop solutions for disabled community. This will encourage differently abled students to pursue engineering courses, she said.  

At present, entry-level AAC devices are imported as no company manufactures such products in India. The cost of a single piece is around INR 20,000. Akila Surendran from the Centre for Assistive Technology and Innovation, NISH, said early communication intervention with the aid of AAC devices can catalyse the development of intentional communication behaviours in children with communication disorder. 

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