The world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around for a while and is now expanding rapidly.

• Where is it today?
• What is theoretical and what is still “science fiction”?
• How fast is it going to advance?
• Will AI be good or bad for augmented communicators?

This session will explore these queries by defining AI basics, presenting use cases, and exploring potential futures with AI and AAC. AI is currently simple. It is just probability, statistics but it has the potential to evolve to be able to perform human level tasks and even become self-aware. Additionally, as machines get “smarter” they may be able to help people with disabilities engage the world. At the same time, there are risks that must be monitored and mitigated if necessary.

AI might enable a person to communicate and do things they would not otherwise be able to do, but it also might override or inhibit those activities. Individual, institutional, and global digital sovereignty must be protected. Where is the happy medium?

We are at a turning point in the world of AI, and it is critical that professionals, caregivers, and augmented communicators are knowledgeable and proactive in defining how this will affect AAC.

Presenters: Angela Standridge, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP & Shannon Paige, MA — Texas Technology Access Program

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