Dr. Brad Fain Georgia Tech Research Institute

Voice Recognition Software

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Voice Recognition Software

Voice recognition software was defined as both software that can be installed on computers as an alternative input device and software that is embedded within other applications such as automatic telephone attendants and kiosks. Most respondents had very little experience with using voice recognition software, though respondents who were blind seemed to have slightly more experience with this category than people in the other disability groups. Tasks associated with this category were deemed fairly difficult to accomplish by respondents in all disability groups, especially using voice recognition software in public settings and over a headset. Respondents who were deaf rated all of the associated tasks as especially difficult.

Level of Experience

Respondents were asked to indicate their level of experience using voice recognition software on a four-point scale. Results are presented in Table 35. Values represent the mean value on the following scale: 1 = no experience, 2 = little experience, 3 = some experience, and 4 = very experienced. Users without vision had the most experience with using voice recognition software. Deaf users, in general, had little or no experience with voice recognition software.

Table 35: Level of Experience with Voice Recognition Software by Disability Type.

Disability Type	Mean (SD)
Blind	2.2 (1.3)
Low vision	1.8 (1.0)
Deaf	1.3 (0.6)
Hard of hearing	1.6 (1.0)
Upper mobility	1.9 (1.1)
Lower mobility	1.9 (1.1)

Difficulty Completing Device Related Activities

Respondents estimated the difficulty they had in personally accomplishing activities in the previous year due to physical or cognitive limitations caused by a disability. Results are presented in Table 36. Values represent the mean value on the following scale: 1 = little or no difficulty, 2 = some difficulty, 3 = great difficulty. Blind users reported little difficulty in using automatic voice recognition phone attendants and understanding computerized voices, perhaps because they tended to rely on voice interfaces as an alternative user interface more than other user groups. Most users reported difficulty in using voice recognition software to control the computer or in public settings. Deaf users in general could not use the software.

Table 36: Reported difficulty in Completing Voice Recognition Software Activities by User Type.

	Blind	Low Vision	Deaf		Hard of Hearing	Upper Mobility	Lower Mobility
Using automatic voice recognition phone attendants	1.2 (0.5)	1.7 (0.7)	2.8 (0.4)	2.2 (0.9)		1.8 (0.9)	1.7 (0.9)
Understanding computerized voices	1.1 (0.4)	1.7 (0.8)	3.0 (0.0)	2.5 (0.7)		1.7 (0.8)	1.6 (0.8)
Using your voice to control your computer	2.2 (1.1)	2.5 (1.1)	2.5 (0.8)	2.3 (1.1)		2.1 (1.0)	2.1 (1.0)
Using voice recognition software in public settings	2.6 (1.0)	2.7 (1.1)	2.8 (0.4)	2.7 (0.9)		2.2 (1.0)	2.1 (1.0)
Using voice recognition software over a headset	2.6 (1.1)	2.3 (1.2)	2.9 (0.6)	2.5 (0.9)		2.2 (1.0)	2.1 (1.0)

Usefulness of Features

Participants were asked to estimate the usefulness of accessibility features associated with the device on a four-point scale. Values represent the mean value on the following scale: 1 = not useful, 2 = slightly useful, 3 = moderately useful, 4 = extremely useful. Features differed by disability type and therefore are presented as such.

Table 37 presents the results of the assessment of the usefulness of voice recognition software accessibility features for users without vision. Users without vision indicated that adjustable volume and the ability to control the parameters of voice playback were desirable accessibility features. Users also suggested that assistance with error correction was a very desirable accessibility feature with voice recognition software.

Table 37: Usefulness of Voice Recognition Software Accessibility Features as Reported by Participants without Vision.

Feature	Mean (SD)
Ability to adjust voice the speed of voice messages	3.5 (0.9)
Adjustable volume	3.5 (0.9)
Automatic suggestion of alternatives for voice recognition errors	3.5 (1.0)
Ability to replay voice messages	3.4 (1.1)
Ability to pause voice messages	3.3 (1.1)
Ability to request additional time	3.3 (1.0)
Ability to change voice types (i.e. male or female)	3.1 (1.1)

Table 38 presents the results of the assessment of the usefulness of voice recognition software accessibility features for users with low vision. The desirability of accessibility features reported by low vision users for voice recognition software was similar to that reported by users without vision. Notably the ability to adjust the volume and playback speed were ranked lower by users with low vision compared to users without vision, perhaps because of less experience with voice recognition software.

Table 38: Usefulness of Voice Recognition Software Accessibility Features as Reported by Participants with Low Vision.

Feature	Mean (SD)
Ability to replay voice messages	3.4 (1.2)
Ability to request additional time	3.4 (1.2)
Ability to adjust voice the speed of voice messages	3.3 (1.2)
Adjustable volume	3.3 (1.1)
Automatic suggestion of alternatives for voice recognition errors	3.3 (1.2)
Ability to pause voice messages	3.2 (1.3)
Ability to change voice types (i.e. male or female)	2.9 (1.2)

Table 39 presents the results of the assessment of the usefulness of voice recognition software accessibility features for users who are hard of hearing. Users who are hard of hearing ranked accessibility features associated with playback control as very useful. The ability to adjust the volume of the voice was also ranked as a desirable feature.

Table 39: Usefulness of Voice Recognition Software Accessibility Features as Reported by Participants that are Hard of Hearing.

Feature	Mean (SD)
Ability to adjust the speed of voice messages	3.6 (1.2)
Adjustable volume	3.6 (1.1)
Ability to pause voice messages	3.5 (1.2)
Ability to replay voice messages	3.5 (1.2)
Ability to change voice types (i.e. male or female)	3.4 (1.3)
Headset compatibility	3.4 (1.3)
Automatic suggestion of alternatives for voice recognition errors	3.3 (1.3)

Users with upper mobility impairments rated the automatic suggestion of alternatives for voice recognition errors (average score = 3.2; SD = 1.2) as being moderately useful. Users with lower mobility impairments rated wireless microphones (average score = 3.2; SD = 1.3) and adjustable microphones (average score = 3.0; SD = 1.3) as being moderately useful accessibility features of voice recognition software.

Appendix A: Georgia Tech Universal Design Survey

Thank you for choosing to participate in this important research. Your answers will assist us in judging the impact of efforts of Federal Government to promote accessible design practices. Please take your time and answer each question carefully. If you have any questions or if you would prefer a paper copy of this survey please email Dr. Brad Fain at brad.fain@gtri.gatech.edu or call 404-407-7261.
1. What is your age?

 18- 24

 25 - 34

 35 - 44

 45 - 54

 55 - 64

 65 - 74

 75 or older

For the following question, Great Difficulty indicates that the activity was impossible to complete, could only be completed with assistance, took much longer to complete than expected or took more effort to complete than expected. Some Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity but it took longer, required more effort, or could not be completed without a large number of errors. Little or No Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity without assistance as expected. No Experience indicates that you have not had any experience with the activity in the previous 6 months.
2a. Please estimate the difficulty you have had in personally accomplishing the following activities in the previous 6 months because of a functional limitation caused by a disability.

	Great difficulty	Some difficulty	Little or no difficulty	No Experience
Depositing money in a bank account				
Retrieving money from a bank account				
Determining my bank account balance				
Receiving a phone call				
Placing a phone call				
Remembering a phone number				
Attending lectures				
Attending training seminars				
Sending E-mail messages				
Receiving E-mail messages				
Using internet “chat” software				
Using internet instant messaging software				
Remembering appointments				
Using a time management tool				
Using a television remote control				
Using a television program guide				
Using voice recognition software				

2b. As far as you know, do you have any conditions that would prevent you from being able to use the following products?

	Yes	No
Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)		
Cellular Telephone		
Distance Learning Software		
Computer-Based Training		
Palm based Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)		
Pocket PC based Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)		
Television		
Voice Recognition Software (such as automated telephone attendants that recognize voice commands)		

2c. Indicate your level of experience with using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

 Very Experienced

 Some Experience

 Little Experience

 No Experience

For the following question, Great Difficulty indicates that the activity was impossible to complete, could only be completed with assistance, took much longer to complete than expected or took more effort to complete than expected. Some Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity but it took longer, required more effort, or could not be completed without a large number of errors. Little or No Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity without assistance as expected.
2d. Please estimate the difficulty you have had in personally accomplishing the following activities using an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) in the previous 6 months because of a functional limitation caused by a disability.

	Great difficulty	Some difficulty	Little or no difficulty
Locating an ATM			
Locating an accessible ATM			
Inserting the bank card			
Remembering my PIN number			
Entering my PIN number			
Making a cash withdrawal			
Making a deposit			
Checking account balances			
Printing a statement			
Retrieving my receipt			
Reading my receipt			

2e. Indicate your level of experience with using Cellular Telephones.

 Very Experienced

 Some Experience

 Little Experience

 No Experience

For the following question, Great Difficulty indicates that the activity was impossible to complete, could only be completed with assistance, took much longer to complete than expected or took more effort to complete than expected. Some Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity but it took longer, required more effort, or could not be completed without a large number of errors. Little or No Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity without assistance as expected.
2f. Please estimate the difficulty you have had in personally accomplishing the following activities using a cell phone in the previous 6 months because of a functional limitation caused by a disability.

	Great difficulty	Some difficulty	Little or no difficulty
Locating your cell phone			
Turning the phone on and off			
Locking the phone			
Unlocking the phone			
Dialing numbers on the keypad			
Recalling a stored phone number			
Storing a phone number			
Receiving a phone call			
Receiving caller-id information			
Accessing voice mail			
Attaching a headset			
Determining battery status			
Determining signal strength			
Detecting when the phone is in Roam mode			
Receiving a text message			
Sending a text message			

2g. Indicate your level of experience with using Distance Learning or Computer Based Training software.

 Very Experienced

 Some Experience

 Little Experience

 No Experience

For the following question, Great Difficulty indicates that the activity was impossible to complete, could only be completed with assistance, took much longer to complete than expected or took more effort to complete than expected. Some Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity but it took longer, required more effort, or could not be completed without a large number of errors. Little or No Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity without assistance as expected.
2h. Please estimate the difficulty you have had in personally accomplishing the following activities using Distance Learning or Computer Based Training Software in the previous 6 months because of a functional limitation caused by a disability.

	Great difficulty	Some difficulty	Little or no difficulty
Reading E-mail messages			
Using instant messaging software			
Reading documents in Microsoft Word format			
Reading documents in Adobe PDF format			
Viewing presentations in Microsoft Powerpoint format			
Using chat software			
Taking a course on-line			
Receiving computer based training			

2i. Indicate your level of experience with using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

 Very Experienced

 Some Experience

 Little Experience

 No Experience

For the following question, Great Difficulty indicates that the activity was impossible to complete, could only be completed with assistance, took much longer to complete than expected or took more effort to complete than expected. Some Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity but it took longer, required more effort, or could not be completed without a large number of errors. Little or No Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity without assistance as expected.
2j. Please estimate the difficulty you have had in personally accomplishing the following activities using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) in the previous 6 months because of a functional limitation caused by a disability.

	Great difficulty	Some difficulty	Little or no difficulty
Locating the PDA			
Turning the PDA on and off			
Adjusting screen contrast			
Adjusting font sizes			
Storing an appointment			
Recalling an appointment			
Receiving an alert (i.e. appointment notification)			
Viewing the calendar			
Storing contact information			
Recalling contact information			
Installing software			

2k. Indicate your level of experience with using Television.

 Very Experienced

 Some Experience

 Little Experience

 No Experience

For the following question, Great Difficulty indicates that the activity was impossible to complete, could only be completed with assistance, took much longer to complete than expected or took more effort to complete than expected. Some Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity but it took longer, required more effort, or could not be completed without a large number of errors. Little or No Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity without assistance as expected.
2l. Please estimate the difficulty you have had in personally accomplishing the following activities using a Television in the previous 6 months because of a functional limitation caused by a disability.

	Great difficulty	Some difficulty	Little or no difficulty
Turning the television on and off			
Changing the channel			
Changing the input source			
Adjusting the volume			
Activating closed captioning			
Activating descriptive video services			
Using picture-in-picture features			
Adjusting picture quality settings			
Accessing the program guide			

Voice Recognition Software includes software that is installed on a computer that allows you to control the computer and input information via voice commands. In addition, Voice Recognition Software is commonly used in automatic telephone attendants that may be used at your bank. Finally, Voice Recognition Software is sometimes installed in products such as Talking ATMs or Talking vending machines.

2m. Indicate your level of experience with using Voice Recognition Software.

 Very Experienced

 Some Experience

 Little Experience

 No Experience
For the following question, Great Difficulty indicates that the activity was impossible to complete, could only be completed with assistance, took much longer to complete than expected or took more effort to complete than expected. Some Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity but it took longer, required more effort, or could not be completed without a large number of errors. Little or No Difficulty indicates that you were able to complete the activity without assistance as expected.
2n. Please estimate the difficulty you have had in personally accomplishing the following activities using Voice Recognition Software in the previous 6 months because of a functional limitation caused by a disability.

	Great difficulty	Some difficulty	Little or no difficulty
Using automatic voice recognition phone attendants			
Understanding computerized voices			
Having the computer understand your voice commands			
Using voice recognition software in public settings			
Using voice recognition software over a headset			

2o. Product manuals are often available in a number of formats. Select the preferred format for product manuals or user instructions.

 Standard print

 Large print

 Electronic - web site

 Electronic - Adobe PDF format

 Audio tape

 Video instructions

 Other ________________________________________

3a. Do you have a condition that affects your vision that causes you difficulties?

 Yes

 No
3b. Describe your visual condition(s) from the following list of conditions.

 Blindness

 Low vision (blurred or obscured vision)

 Color blindness

 Other ________________________________________
3c. Which assistive technologies do you use?

 Cane

 Guide dog

 Magnifying lens

 Computer screen reader

 Computer magnifier

 Other ________________________________________
3d. Please estimate the usefulness of each of the following Automated Teller Machine (ATM) accessibility features for a person with your visual condition.

	Extremely Useful	Moderately Useful	Slightly Useful
Talking ATM (ATM with voice displays)			
Private headphone jacks for Talking ATMs			
Volume controls for Talking ATMs			
Pause control for Talking ATMs			
Replay control for Talking ATMs			
Voice recognition for Talking ATMs			
Instructions provided in audio			
ATMs that can be controlled by a cell phone or PDA			
Braille keypads			
Raised area (nib) on the '5' key			
Large keys for the keypad			
Keys on the keypad that are discernible by touch			
Large fonts on the display			
Large display screens			
High contrast displays			

3e. Please estimate the usefulness of each of the following Cellular Telephone accessibility features for a person with your visual condition.

	Extremely Useful	Moderately Useful	Slightly Useful
Voiced menu options (equivalent of a screen reader for the phone)			
Screen magnifiers (devices placed over the screen to magnify the display)			
Adjustable volume			
Braille keypads			
Raised area (nib) on the '5' key			
Larger keys on the keypad			
Keypress feedback (beeps indicating a key has been pressed)			
Talking battery level indicators			
Talking signal strength indicators			
One-touch dialing			
Voice dialing			
Vibrating alerts			
Talking Caller-ID			
Large fonts on the display			
Large display screens			
High contrast displays			

3f. Please estimate the usefulness of each of the following Distance Learning or Computer Based Training Software accessibility features for a person with your visual condition.

	Extremely Useful	Moderately Useful	Slightly Useful
Screen reader compatibility			
Screen magnifier compatibility			
Adjustable font sizes			
Adjustable contrast			
Graphics that are described in detail			
Video that is described in detail			

3g. Please estimate the usefulness of each of the following Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) accessibility features for a person with your visual condition.

	Extremely Useful	Moderately Useful	Slightly Useful
Screen reader compatibility			
Screen magnifier compatibility			
Adjustable font sizes			
Adjustable contrast			
Large keys			
Adjustable font sizes			
Ability to adjust screen colors			
High contrast displays			
Large displays			
Vibrating alerts			
Speech recognition			

3h. Please estimate the usefulness of each of the following Television accessibility features for a person with your visual condition.

	Extremely Useful	Moderately Useful	Slightly Useful
Large buttons on the remote			
Talking remote controls			
Voice activated remote controls			
Dedicated buttons on the remote control to control descriptive video services			
Descriptive video services			
Voiced on-screen menus			
Voiced program guides			
Ability to adjust program guide font size			
Ability to adjust program guide font color			
Ability to adjust program guide background color			

3i. Please estimate the usefulness of each of the following Voice Recognition Software accessibility features for a person with your visual condition.

	Extremely Useful	Moderately Useful	Slightly Useful
Ability to pause voice messages			
Ability to replay voice messages			
Automatic suggestion of alternatives for voice recognition errors			
Headset compatibility			
Adjustable volume			
Ability to change voice types (i.e. male or female)			
Ability to adjust voice the speed of voice messages			

4a. Do you have a condition that affects your hearing that causes you difficulties?

 Yes

 No
4b. Describe your hearing condition(s) from the following list of conditions.

 Deafness

 Partial hearing loss

 Tinnitus (ringing)

 Other ________________________________________

4c. Which assistive technologies do you use?

 Hearing aids

 TTY devices

 Telephone receiver amplifiers

 Other ________________________________________
4d. Please estimate the usefulness of each of the following Automated Teller Machine (ATM) accessibility features for a person with your hearing condition.

	Extremely Useful	Moderately Useful	Slightly Useful
Remote control (cell phone or PDA)			
Visual alerts			
Graphical instructions			
Text equivalents for auditory information			

4e. Please estimate the usefulness of each of the following Cellular Telephone accessibility features for a person with your hearing condition.

	Extremely Useful	Moderately Useful	Slightly Useful
Adjustable volume			
Amplified headsets			
Loopsets for hearing aids			
Hearing aid compatibility (phones designed to work with hearing aids)			
TTY compatibility			
Vibrating alerts			

4f. Please estimate the usefulness of each of the following

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