Multilingual AAC in the Real World: What AI Makes Possible Now

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

demonstration

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

infant / toddler
preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
educator
family member / caregiver
K-12 administration
paraprofessional
special educator
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Atrium 2

Description:

This session will examine the multilingual gap in current AAC tools and demonstrate how AI-powered AAC technology is closing it. Presenters will begin by identifying key barriers facing bilingual and multilingual communicators, including limited symbol localization, English-centric vocabulary design, and inconsistent phonological support. Attendees will observe a live demonstration of real-time, AI-assisted setup for a bilingual communicator profile across two languages. The session will then present implementation strategies for school-based and clinical settings, including bilingual language assessment, family-centered customization, and IEP documentation. Products featured include Flexspeak AAC and Flexspeak Studio. Attendees will leave with a practical implementation checklist and a framework for evaluating AI-powered AAC tools for multilingual use.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Identify at least three specific barriers that English-centric AAC systems create for bilingual and multilingual communicators, and articulate how each barrier affects AAC access and implementation outcomes.

• Apply a bilingual language assessment framework to inform vocabulary selection and AAC customization for a communicator with complex communication needs who uses two or more languages.

• Demonstrate the process of configuring an AI-powered AAC system to support a bilingual communicator profile, including language selection, vocabulary customization, and symbol selection, using at least one current AAC platform.

Disclosures:

Ashley Africa is a contracted consultant with Flexspeak and receives compensation for her work with the company.
Alan Vu is the Founder and CEO of Flexspeak and receives salary and equity compensation from the company. Flexspeak's AAC platform is demonstrated during this presentation.