Overview
HEARD is an assistive technology device that helps students with autism or other communication disabilities improve their speech and interaction skills through repetition and tactile function. The device uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to play, record, and interpret sounds and phrases for the user. A caretaker would take a blank RFID card and use the device to record a sound or phrase that the child would like to learn. They would then fix an identifier of that sound or phrase to the card. In use, the child would first attempt to say a word, identify the specific card and use the device to receive audible feedback of that word, and then attempt the word again. Over time, repetitive use of the device would help children improve their vocabulary.
This project is through Purdue University’s Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Learning Community. This program allows students from different majors and grades to work together on a project to assist the community. The students work closely with Dr. Wendt, an assistant professor at Purdue in the departments of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and Educational Studies, as a project partner to develop a list of criteria for a minimal viable product. The purpose of HEARD among the many assistive devices on the market is to create a customizable, handheld, and easy to use device at a very affordable price.
Involvement
Aidan joined the team as a freshman in the prototype design phase. He was an integral part of the hardware optimization, improving device reliability by debugging functionality issues and developing a packing structure to fit the components in the handheld specifications. He utilized creative problem-solving skills and lab equipment to identify problem points in the schematic design and helped fix these points in reiterating the Printed Circuit Board.
Aidan went on to become the Design Lead of the project; managing team goals and progress, facilitating meetings, and communicating with the project partner while maintaining involvement in hardware development. Aidan would lead the team to create a reliable minimum viable product and participate in multiple hardware fairs, showing HEARD to the public and receiving feedback from the community. He also contributed to developing a testing plan for the device in a clinical setting where aspects of the device, the student, and the caretaker are tested. By the end of his tenure as Design Lead, he received the EPICS Leadership Award among hundreds of EPICs students and different design leads.
