Language Science Lunch Talk - Stephanie Valencia
Language Science Lunch Talk - Stephanie Valencia
AI and Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Abstract: When people cannot use their own physical voice to speak, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices enable speech-based communication. AAC devices with specialized keyboards and interfaces can support individuals with vocabulary retrieval, message composition and speech synthesis. However, they can take considerable time to operate, posing social, physical and cognitive challenges. AI technologies such as large language models provide an opportunity to support AAC users but these technologies may fundamentally change how users interact with their devices as users transition from typing their own phrases to prompting and selecting AI-generated phrases. For this talk, I draw from empirical studies and co-design sessions with individuals with disabilities to discuss how AI-driven language generation can impact language use and conversational agency for AAC users.
Lunch served at 12:15 PM.
About: Dr. Valencia is dedicated to promoting equitable access to assistive technologies (AT), advocating for open-source hardware, and championing the inclusion of underrepresented groups in technology design and development. Dr. Valencia’s research endeavors are centered on elevating user agency, accessibility, and enjoyment. Employing participatory design methodologies, she has explored the integration of diverse design elements such as artificial intelligence and embodied expressive objects to empower augmentative and alternative communication users. Dr. Valencia works on conceptualizing these innovations but also in building and deploying them to make a real-world impact. Rigorous empirical studies are an integral part of her work, ensuring that the efficacy and significance of design contributions are thoroughly assessed. She earned her Ph.D. at the Human-computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.