NC Cultural Foundation Completely Revamps Augmentative and Alternative Communication App 'NauiAAC'

'My ACC' usage screen. [Photo by NC Cultural Foundation]

NC Cultural Foundation announced on the 11th that it will fully revamp and launch the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) application 'NauiAAC'.

AAC is a communication method that helps individuals with difficulties in speaking or writing by conveying symbols through voice and pictures. Since 2015, the foundation has been distributing and operating the NauiAAC app for free, and since 2022, it has begun a full-scale service overhaul to enhance usability.

The newly revamped NauiAAC app combines the previously separate three services, which were divided according to users' language proficiency levels, into a single app. It also incorporates natural artificial intelligence (AI) voice technology developed by the NC AI Tech Center, and in collaboration with special education experts, it has expanded the vocabulary and optimized the arrangement to advance the service.

Additionally, the app includes features to add necessary symbols through photo capture and Google image search, as well as a function to share symbol boards. The service has been improved with a user-centered approach by opening communication channels for community interaction and feedback collection among users. Furthermore, it has obtained web and mobile accessibility certification to ensure a smooth user experience for people with disabilities and the elderly.

To coincide with the launch, the foundation plans to conduct 'Visiting AAC Education' in collaboration with organizations related to disabilities and special education to ensure effective utilization of the new service.

The foundation stated, "We will continue to advance the 'NauiAAC' service and strive to create a society where more people can communicate freely through AAC, understand each other, and respect one another."

Meanwhile, NC Cultural Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2012 to mark the 15th anniversary of NCSoft's founding, aiming for systematic and continuous social responsibility activities. It carries out various social contribution projects with the direction of 'consideration for socially vulnerable groups' and 'creating value for the qualitative leap of our society.'