Speech Generating Devices and Modality of Short-term Word Storage

Abstract

Persons with severe speech impairments frequently communicate via non-speech means, such as speech-generating devices (SGDs). In studies of people without disabilities, use of non-speech responses has activated non-phonological modalities for short-term word storage. In the current study, short-term word storage was evaluated in 23 pre-trained adult speakers without disabilities and in four individuals who use SGDs for communication. Results indicated that participants without disabilities stored lists of words phonologically when using SGDs. Individuals who used SGDs were most successful in recall of high- frequency words, with preliminary evidence of phonological encoding for short-term storage in preparation for non-speech responses. Further research is needed to describe possible concurrent storage modalities.