VivaVox: Open-Source and Customizable Augmentative and Alternative Communication Platform
Abstract
Introduction: Computational solutions have great potential to support communication for people with Complex Communication Needs (CCN). However; the high cost and the complexity of these applications remains a barrier to both adoption and the development of novel interaction techniques. Objective: Our main goal was to provide an open-source customizable board software that simplifies the authoring process and mitigates technology abandonment resulting from the complexity of current solutions. Methodology: To define system requirements; we conducted a systematic literature review and workshops with occupational therapists. Results: The resulting solution features functionalities such as intuitive customization of pictographic grids and support for alternative interaction methods; including scanning; ensuring accessibility for users with diverse needs.
Keywords:
AAC, CCN, Assistive Technology, Pictographic Board
References
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Falcão, T. P., Machado, K., Neto, Z. P., Miranda, A., Cavalcanti, A. P., Rodrigues, P., Pereira, C., e Nascimento, A. (2024). 'Should I use my imagination?' An attempt at co-designing a game editor within an app for alternative communication with children with autism. In Proceedings of XXIII Brazilian Symposium on Human Factors in Computing Systems (IHC ’24), New York, NY, USA. ACM. Event held October 07–11, 2024, Brasília, DF. DOI and ISBN placeholders in original.
Gonzales, I. J., Cunha, M. X., e Carvalho, L. T. (2024). Uma prancha digital personalizada para comunicação alternativa e aumentativa de pessoas com tea. Anais do XI Encontro Nacional de Computação dos Institutos Federais (EnCompIF 2024), page 90–97.
Klaus, B., Aigner, B., Deinhofer, M., Sabic, A., e Veigl, C. (2024). AsTeRICS Grid: Why Freely Accessible Software is Needed for Democratizing AAC in the Long Term. In Miesenberger, K., Peáz, P., e Kobayashi, M., editors, Computers Helping People with Special Needs. ICCHP 2024, volume 14751 of Lecture Notes in Computer Science, pages 125–136, Cham. Springer.
Light, J., Wilkinson, K. M., Thiessen, A., Beukelman, D. R., e Fager, S. K. (2019). Designing effective aac displays for individuals with developmental or acquired disabilities: State of the science and future research directions. AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 35(1):42–55.
Wilkinson, K. M., O’Neill, T., e McIlvane, W. J. (2014). Eye-tracking measures reveal how changes in the design of aided aac displays influence the efficiency of locating symbols by school-age children without disabilities. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 57(2):455–466.
Published
2025-09-08
How to Cite
T. AMARAL, Victor H.; A. A. L. BRITO, Isabella; R. CUNHA, Bruna C..
VivaVox: Open-Source and Customizable Augmentative and Alternative Communication Platform. In: POSTERS & DEMONSTRATIONS - BRAZILIAN SYMPOSIUM ON HUMAN FACTORS IN COMPUTATIONAL SYSTEMS (IHC), 24. , 2025, Belo Horizonte/MG.
Anais [...].
Porto Alegre: Sociedade Brasileira de Computação,
2025
.
p. 78-82.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/ihc_estendido.2025.13004.
