Emerging Technologies, Evolving Practice: Artificial Intelligence and Communication Access for Children with CVI 

Presenter: Jamie Boster

Children with cortical visual impairment (CVI) who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) experience unique challenges when accessing communication systems that rely heavily on visual interfaces. As a result, many children with CVI require targeted adaptations to AAC technologies to support effective communication. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers emerging opportunities to address the access needs of this population. This presentation will introduce foundational concepts in AI, provide an overview of AI-enabled features that may be beneficial for children with CVI who use AAC, and discuss future directions for leveraging AI technologies to advance AAC strategies that support communicative competence in this population. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe current and emerging applications of artificial intelligence relevant to clinicians and researchers supporting children with cortical visual impairment.

2. Identify ways artificial intelligence–enabled features can be used to adapt augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interfaces to improve access for children with cortical visual impairment.

3. Explain how ongoing developments in artificial intelligence may influence future communication strategies and AAC practices for children with cortical visual impairment.