Training Network on Automatic Processing of PAthological Speech
Training Network on Automatic Processing of PAthological Speech
(Third Party Funds Group – Overall project)
Overall project:
Project leader:
Project members: ,
Start date: November 1, 2017
End date: October 31, 2021
Acronym: TAPAS
Funding source: Innovative Training Networks (ITN)
URL: https://www.tapas-etn-eu.org/
Abstract
There are an increasing number of people across Europe with debilitating
speech pathologies (e.g., due to stroke, Parkinson's, etc). These
groups face communication problems that can lead to social exclusion.
They are now being further marginalised by a new wave of speech
technology that is increasingly woven into everyday life but which is
not robust to atypical speech. TAPAS is a Horizon 2020 Marie
Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Network European Training
Network (MSCA-ITN-ETN) project that aims to transform the well being of
these people.
The TAPAS work programme targets three key research problems:
(a)
Detection: We will develop speech processing techniques for early
detection of conditions that impact on speech production. The outcomes
will be cheap and non-invasive diagnostic tools that provide early
warning of the onset of progressive conditions such as Alzheimer's and
Parkinson's.
(b) Therapy: We will use newly-emerging speech
processing techniques to produce automated speech therapy tools. These
tools will make therapy more accessible and more individually targeted.
Better therapy can increase the chances of recovering intelligible
speech after traumatic events such a stroke or oral surgery.
(c)
Assisted Living: We will re-design current speech technology so that it
works well for people with speech impairments and also helps in making
informed clinical choices. People with speech impairments often have
other co-occurring conditions making them reliant on carers.
Speech-driven tools for assisted-living are a way to allow such people
to live more independently.
TAPAS adopts an inter-disciplinary and
multi-sectorial approach. The consortium includes clinical
practitioners, academic researchers and industrial partners, with
expertise spanning speech engineering, linguistics and clinical science.
All members have expertise in some element of pathological speech. This
rich network will train a new generation of 15 researchers, equipping
them with the skills and resources necessary for lasting success.