Web-Based Application to Support Non-verbal and Limited Communication

Northern Ireland faces a considerable challenge in adequately supporting special education needs with limited resources for effective learning and communication. Despite efforts, a significant number of non-verbal individuals grapple with communication barriers, both in face-to-face interactions and digital communication. This paper presents an initial prototype of a web-based application solution that supports non-verbal and limited communication. The proposed solution provides an accessible, user-friendly platform that enhances the ability of individuals with non-verbal and limited communication to communicate effectively in both the natural world and in the digital environment. The usability of this initial prototype was evaluated by relatives and carers of non-verbal individuals using the System Usability Scale (SUS) to identify any aspects that could be improved before presenting a first version to potential users. Results of an average SUS score of 84.8 confirm the user-friendly and intuitive features of the web-based application and highlight some usability aspects that could be improved in the next version of the solution.