Who We Are?
The ReadTREAT project aims to implement the best practices of unobtrusive and contactless multimodal biosignal acquisition and analysis (including eye movement and stress data) to develop data-driven computer-aided tools for early reading difficulties recognition, treatment, and evaluation. It will be the first project to incorporate an assortment of text visualization strategies, as well as multimodal biosignal measurements through both a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study.
Novelty
- the first attempt at designing the protocol that combines various textual strategies and a multimodal biomarker-based approach which will lead to better understanding and treatment of reading difficulties,
- the first attempt of using text visualization strategies for personalized recommendations based on an objective multimodal biomarker-based approach,
- first attempt to analyze multimodal biomarkers as objective criteria for tracking progress in reading of children with reading difficulties using the longitudinal study,
- first attempt of designing a completely contactless system for reading difficulties screening,
- first sharing of the open-access multimodal datasets for reading difficulties screening or follow-up.
Nothing similar to the ReadTREAT project has been done for the Serbian language, nor has it been done for other languages. ReadTREAT methodology understands the influence of different orthographies and tries to accommodate it by creating tools based on biosignals acquired during the reading process that should have a universal pattern, independent of the language orthography (e.g. previous research of team members has shown that chaotic gaze patterns in dyslexia screening could be recognized independently of the language, eye-tracking device and reading media.
Impact
Reading disability and its delayed diagnosis led to social, emotional, and mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. Early diagnostics is more than important for the benefit of the child, but also for the benefit of broader society, given that reading difficulties are linked to an increased risk of low school achievement and even school dropout and other adverse outcomes. Facilitating early identification of reading difficulties minimizes the long-term academic and social ramifications of these conditions, fostering inclusivity within educational settings. ReadTREAT’s commitment to disseminating its findings ensures broad access among educators, policymakers, and affected individuals, fostering collaboration and equitable distribution of research outcomes. Ultimately, ReadTREAT stands to significantly transform reading difficulties support and intervention, driving positive societal and educational changes. Scale and significance of the project’s contribution. ReadTREAT aims to make a significant impact on individuals with reading disorders. It targets around 20% of the global population affected by these disorders (in Serbia, this translates to about 1,276,800 people affected by reading disorders), employing early recognition and personalized interventions. By enhancing reading abilities and academic performance, it improves long-term well-being, educational attainment, and employability.
Impact on industrial and end-user communities. The ReadTREAT project has the potential to significantly impact industrial and end-user communities beyond academic circles. Companies specializing in assistive technology could use ReadTREAT’s insights to improve their products, making them more effective for individuals with reading difficulties and related disorders. End-user communities, including educators and families affected by reading difficulties, could benefit from ReadTREAT’s research outcomes, leading to the development of tailored educational resources and interventions.
Team
The project aims to establish a strong research collaboration between a group of researchers from Serbia and Diaspora fostering knowledge exchange and joint innovation. Considering the multidisciplinary nature of ReadTREAT objectives, the consortium gathers researchers who have scientific knowledge, skills and experience in their respective fields of work.
The team from Serbian side involves eight researchers from four scientific research organizations: School of Electrical Engineering (SEE), Faculty of Philosophy (UBFZF), Innovation Center, School of Electrical Engineering (ICEF), and Singidunum University (US). The Diaspora team is formed out of three researchers from the University of Hawaii.
