Online Communication Practice Platform for AAC & AT Users
Bridging the gap between therapy and everyday life.
Built in partnership with SPD Specialised Assistive Technology Centre (SATC) as part of an NUS School Project (2026).
Many individuals with communication difficulties — including those who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) or other Assistive Technologies (AT) — have limited opportunities to practise real-world communication skills. Going into the community is challenging due to safety, supervision, time, and accessibility constraints.
How might we design technology-enabled solutions that allow users to practise real-world communication skills in everyday scenarios, in ways that are interactive, motivating, and relevant to their daily lives?
— SPD SATC Problem Statement
CommBridge is a browser-based platform where AAC & AT users can:
- 🗣 Practise role-play scenarios (hawker centre, grocery shopping, clinic visit, public transport)
- 👥 Connect with peers for real-time peer-to-peer communication practice
- 👩⚕️ Join therapist-guided sessions with live support and session logging
- 🤖 Use solo AI practice mode with an adaptive conversation partner
- 📈 Track progress and build confidence towards real-world independence
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| AAC Symbol Board | Tap-to-compose with symbol grid, compatible with switch access & eye-gaze |
| Real-Time Chat | Socket.io powered live sessions between multiple participants |
| Role-Play Scenarios | 6+ everyday scenarios with contextual prompts and adaptive difficulty |
| Therapist Dashboard | Session hosting, participant monitoring, live feedback tools |
| Accessibility First | WCAG 2.1 AA, keyboard nav, switch access, high-contrast mode |
| AI Practice Partner | Solo mode powered by Claude API for pressure-free practice |
Frontend: React.js + Next.js 14, Tailwind CSS, Socket.io-client
Backend: Node.js + Express, Socket.io, Claude API (Anthropic)
Database: PostgreSQL + Redis (session cache)
Storage: AWS S3 (symbol assets)
Auth: JWT + Role-Based Access Control
Symbols: ARASAAC (open-source AAC symbol library)
Hosting: AWS / Render
commbridge/
├── public/
│ └── index.html # Interactive prototype demo
├── src/
│ ├── components/
│ │ ├── AACBoard.jsx # Symbol board component
│ │ ├── ChatPanel.jsx # Real-time chat interface
│ │ ├── ScenarioCard.jsx
│ │ └── TherapistPanel.jsx
│ ├── pages/
│ │ ├── index.jsx # Landing / role selection
│ │ ├── dashboard.jsx # User dashboard
│ │ ├── scenario.jsx # Scenario lobby
│ │ └── practice.jsx # Live practice room
│ └── styles/
│ └── globals.css
├── server/
│ ├── index.js # Express + Socket.io server
│ ├── routes/
│ │ ├── auth.js
│ │ ├── sessions.js
│ │ └── ai.js # Claude API integration
│ └── db/
│ └── schema.sql # PostgreSQL schema
├── docs/
│ ├── CommBridge_Proposal.docx
│ ├── CommBridge_Architecture.md
│ └── CommBridge_Presentation.pptx
├── package.json
├── .env.example
└── README.md
- Node.js 20+
- PostgreSQL 15+
- Redis 7+
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/commbridge.git
cd commbridge
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Copy environment variables
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env with your database credentials and API keys
# Set up database
psql -U postgres -f server/db/schema.sql
# Start development server
npm run devOpen public/index.html directly in any browser — no installation required.
| Phase | Timeline | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery & Design | Week 1–2 | User interviews, wireframes, accessibility audit |
| Core Development | Week 3–4 | Real-time chat, AAC board, scenario engine |
| Testing & Iteration | Week 5–6 | User testing with SATC clients, accessibility QA |
| Pilot & Handover | Week 7+ | SATC pilot, documentation, SPD presentation |
- AAC Users (children & adults) — primary beneficiaries
- Speech-Language Therapists — session hosts & clinical support
- Caregivers & Family — home practice partners
- Teachers & Support Staff — classroom-based facilitation
CommBridge is built accessibility-first:
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance
- Switch access & scanning navigation
- Eye-gaze compatible (dwell-click)
- Screen reader support (ARIA labels)
- High-contrast & large-text themes
- ARASAAC symbol library integration
- PDPA (Singapore) compliant
- Separate data environments for minors and adults
- Session recording is opt-in only, with therapist approval
- Users can request full account deletion at any time
docs/CommBridge_Architecture.md— Full technical architecturedocs/CommBridge_Proposal.docx— Project proposaldocs/CommBridge_Presentation.pptx— Slide deck
- SPD Specialised Assistive Technology Centre (SATC) — Problem statement & domain expertise
- ARASAAC — Open-source AAC symbol library
- Anthropic Claude API — AI conversation partner engine
- NUS School of Computing — Academic supervision
Built by the CommBridge NUS Project Team, 2026.
For queries, contact via SPD SATC.
"Every conversation is a step toward independence."