Speech and Language processing as assistive technologies

We are delighted to bring you this special issue on speech and language processing for assistive technology. It addresses an important research area that is gaining increased recognition from researchers in speech and language processing as a rich and fulfilling area on which to focus their work, and by researchers in assistive technology as the means to dramatically improve communication technologies for individuals with disabilities. This special issue brings a wide swath of approaches and applications highlighting the variety this area offers.