Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Honoring Identity in AAC Design

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Honoring Identity in AAC Design

(with AI Innovation Preview)

Presented by: Lauren Enders Gonzales, MA, CCC-SLP

March 21, 2025 12:00-3:00 PM

In this webinar, we will explore the critical importance of customizing AAC systems to honor users’ complete identities. Participants will examine how personalization across personal, linguistic, cultural, spiritual, and social

dimensions supports communicative autonomy and authentic expression. Through case studies and collaborative activities, we’ll explore practical strategies for identity affirming AAC implementation. The session concludes with an exciting preview of how AI innovations are revolutionizing personalization possibilities, offering glimpses into a future where AAC systems more seamlessly reflect users’ full humanity. Join us to transform how we approach AAC design and implementation.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will identify a tool that can be used to gather comprehensive information about an AAC user’s cultural, personal, and social identities to inform system customization.

2. After reviewing the current vocabulary and set up of a student on their caseload, participants will identify at least three specific modifications to better reflect that user’s complete identity.

3. Participants will describe two specific applications of current AI technology that can enhance personalization of AAC systems.