How do people with complex communication needs learn to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)? Join speech-language pathologists (SLPs) Rachel and Chris as they answer your questions, discuss relevant research and give you updates on the latest and greatest developments in the field of AAC! Interviews with industry thought-leaders, clinicians, parents, researchers, users, and app developers help you stay up-to-date on the latest devices and apps, best practices for device selection and implementation, ideas for working with communication partners, and more!
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How do people with complex communication needs learn to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)? Join speech-language pathologists (SLPs) Rachel and Chris as they answer your questions, discuss relevant research and give you updates on the latest and greatest developments in the field of AAC! Interviews with industry thought-leaders, clinicians, parents, researchers, users, and app developers help you stay up-to-date on the latest devices and apps, best practices for device selection and implementation, ideas for working with communication partners, and more!
Claire O'Connor: Exploring AI as a Support for AAC Users
Talking With Tech AAC Podcast
49 minutes
1 month ago
Claire O'Connor: Exploring AI as a Support for AAC Users
This week, we share Chris’s interview with Claire O’Connor! Claire O’Connor is a speech-language pathologist and first-year PhD student at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and AAC, exploring how tools like ChatGPT can support AAC users better.
Before the interview, Melissa, surprises him with news that his Assistive Technology team, comprising nine members, won the "Most Inclusive Team" award from their county's Special Education Advisory Committee Council! Chris himself also won the "Most Inclusive Administrator" award!
Key Ideas This Week:
Exploring AI as a Support for AAC Users: Claire is researching how large language models (like ChatGPT) can support—not replace—AAC communication by reducing delays, easing the cognitive load of message construction, and expanding short inputs into fuller messages .
Co-Design with AAC Users: The project uses a participatory design approach, meaning AAC users are directly involved in shaping tools and prototypes. This ensures that their voices guide development rather than having solutions imposed on them .
Focus on Empowerment and Trust: The research emphasizes building trust in AI and empowering AAC users. Instead of only testing tools, Claire plans to create a support group to hear AAC users’ experiences and perspectives, fostering comfort and inclusion before running compensated co-design workshops.
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Talking With Tech AAC Podcast
How do people with complex communication needs learn to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)? Join speech-language pathologists (SLPs) Rachel and Chris as they answer your questions, discuss relevant research and give you updates on the latest and greatest developments in the field of AAC! Interviews with industry thought-leaders, clinicians, parents, researchers, users, and app developers help you stay up-to-date on the latest devices and apps, best practices for device selection and implementation, ideas for working with communication partners, and more!
