Accessible Communication Initiative

 

We provide affordable communication systems to individuals with cerebral palsy who lack access to proper equipment or cannot afford it. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has the tools they need to communicate effectively.

We focus on supporting individuals with cerebral palsy who are not yet receiving NDIS assistance, providing them with the tools they need to communicate and connect with the world. We understand the challenges faced by people with CP and are dedicated to offering support that enhances their quality of life.

 

How it works

We collect second-hand computers and install ACAT (Assistive Context-Aware Toolkit), a communication program originally developed for Stephen Hawking. These computers are then rented out at an affordable price, making high-quality communication tools accessible to those who need them most.

 

How You Can Help

      • Donate Your Old Computers: If you have a second-hand computer that you no longer need, consider donating it to Mulwaree Life Skills Association, Inc. Your donation can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
      • Spread the Word: Help us reach more people by sharing our mission with your network.
      • Financial Contributions: Your monetary donations help us maintain and upgrade our systems, ensuring we can continue to provide top-notch service. You can also sponsor a child that cannot afford the monthly payments for their system.

    Contact Us

    If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, or if you would like to support our mission, please reach out to us through our email

    Together, we can break down communication barriers and provide a voice to those who need it most. Thank you for your support!

    What is ACAT

    ACAT (Assistive Context-Aware Toolkit) is an open-source platform created by Intel Labs to enhance communication for individuals with restricted speech and typing capabilities. It offers features such as keyboard simulation, word and sentence prediction, and speech synthesis to improve the user’s ability to communicate.

    Originally developed for Professor Stephen Hawking, who played a crucial role in the project’s design and validation, ACAT has since been expanded to serve a broader community. Intel has made the platform more configurable to support a wider range of users, aiming to foster external developer engagement and ongoing enhancement.

    By making ACAT open-source, the team encourages developers to contribute to the platform by adding new user interfaces, sensing modalities, enhanced language prediction, and other features. This adaptability makes ACAT a versatile tool for individuals with diverse needs.

    Key Features

    • Switch-scanning interface for augmented and alternative communication (AAC)
    • Range of input modalities to accommodate different user physiological constraints
    • Enhanced language models fine-tuned for AAC, offering word and sentence predictions for improved typing efficiency and a personalised user experience
    • Multiple typing modes to facilitate faster communication
    • Extensible platform to engage the developer community