Revolutionizing Augmentative and Alternative Communication with Generative Artificial Intelligence

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist
family member / caregiver
special educator
speech language pathologist
university professor / personnel

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 1

Description:

This presentation will outline how generative AI will revolutionize Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) by enhancing real-time conversational abilities for non-speaking individuals. I’ll discuss combining AI-generated text with technologies like text-to-speech, facial recognition, and eye tracking. Current AAC limitations, such as communication delays, will be addressed. I’ll introduce a high-level system architecture integrating situational awareness, natural language processing, and cloud-based security. I’ll demo a new commercial AAC software product enabling fluid, real-time conversations through quick, contextually relevant responses. Emphasis will be placed on user autonomy, feedback, and overcoming privacy challenges. The session concludes with a roadmap for developing and deploying advanced AAC solutions, encouraging innovation and collaboration.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Discuss two significant benefits of Generative AI for AAC users.

• Identify two key technologies that can be integrated with generative AI to improve AAC devices.

• Recommend two effective approaches to ensure AAC user autonomy when using Generative AI-enhanced communication systems.