Talk: Using Participatory Design and AI to Create Agency-increasing Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems

Agency and communication are integral to personal development, enabling us to pursue and express our goals. However, agency in communication is not fixed–Many individuals who use speech-generating devices to communicate encounter social constraints and technical limitations that can restrict what they can say, how they can say it, and when they can contribute to a discussion. In this talk, I will delve into how an agency-centered design approach can foster more accessible communication experiences and help us uncover opportunities for design. Drawing from empirical research and collaborative co-design with people with disabilities, I will highlight how various technological tools—such as automated transcription, physical interaction artifacts, and AI-driven language generation—can impact conversational agency. Additionally, I will share practical design strategies and discuss existing challenges for co-designing communication technologies that enhance user agency and participation.

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. Valencia²’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. Valencia² 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.