ASSESSMENT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AIR TRAVEL ASSISTIVE AAC CBOARD APPLICATION; A BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

This research focuses on individuals with hearing impairments, including those who are deaf, deaf-mute, or physically challenged, and explores the necessity of assistive technologies like the AAC CBOARD Application in aircraft. The AAC CBOARD application is accessible across multiple platforms, such as desktops, tablets, and mobile phones, and works seamlessly on modern browsers. It also offers offline support on Google Chrome for both desktop and Android users. Built with cutting-edge technology, AAC CBOARD is designed to be user-friendly and easily navigable without requiring any external guidance. The application supports 44 languages, with plans for further expansion, and aims to reduce inequalities faced by people with disabilities globally. Being a 100% open-source project, AAC CBOARD thrives thanks to contributions from a passionate community of developers, speech professionals, parents, and institutions who collaborate on its development, translation, and improvement. The impact of AAC CBOARD extends beyond its technical functionalities; it represents a transformative shift in how society recognizes and supports the needs of individuals with disabilities. By providing an accessible communication tool for those with hearing impairments and other challenges, AAC CBOARD fosters a culture of inclusivity and enables users to actively participate in social, educational, and professional contexts, enhancing their quality of life and opportunities for engagement. A major advantage of AAC CBOARD is its flexibility. It can be effectively used in educational environments to support learning and active classroom participation, or in professional settings to enable smooth communication during meetings and conferences. AAC CBOARD adjusts to the specific needs of each user, making it a versatile tool for promoting inclusive communication in different contexts. AAC CBOARD offers exceptional compatibility with a range of devices and operating systems, allowing users to access it on desktops, tablets, and smartphones from virtually anywhere. Its open-source nature fosters a strong sense of collaboration and innovation within the developer community, ensuring the app evolves continuously to meet user needs. This approach also promotes inclusivity, giving users and contributors a sense of ownership in the development process. By engaging a wide variety of stakeholders—such as developers, speech professionals, parents, and institutions—AAC CBOARD remains highly responsive to the changing needs of its diverse user base.  The app's commitment to accessibility is demonstrated by its multi-language support and easy-to-use interface, which breaks down communication barriers and allows users with disabilities to express themselves with greater confidence and freedom. This, in turn, enhances social integration and helps reduce the stigma surrounding disabilities.  As a key advancement in assistive technology, AAC CBOARD provides valuable tools for individuals with hearing impairments and other disabilities. Its user-friendly interface, wide device compatibility, and focus on accessibility make it an essential tool for promoting inclusivity and empowering users to communicate effectively across various settings. Through continuous collaboration and innovation, AAC CBOARD is playing a critical role in reducing inequalities and fostering a more inclusive society for all.