The DIAL Clinic, Shepard Broad College of Law, the Belonging Equity Diversity and Inclusion (BEDI) Advisory Council and the Office of Innovation and Information Technology (OIIT) are working to a more equitable digital future via the use of technology. One of the DIAL Clinic’s goals is to normalize the use of technology to enhance the abilities for persons with learning, communication, cognitive and developmental disabilities.
The agenda is as follows:
Inclusive Communication & Technology Day: Building a More Accessible Campus
Date: October 25, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Knight Auditorium in the DeSantis Building and via Zoom (email me for the zoom address to avoid trolls – mdietz@nova.edu)
Join us for an Inaugural Event focused on Inclusive Technology and Communication for Persons with Disabilities and Learning Differences
This event is open to all faculty, students, and staff who are interested in exploring ways to make our campus more inclusive and accessible for everyone, especially those with disabilities. We’ll dive deep into the tools and technologies already available on campus and discuss their functionality to ensure accessibility for all.
9:30 – 9:45 – Welcome address by Shepard Broad College of Law Dean José Roberto (Beto) Juárez, Jr. and NSU Vice President and Chief Information Officer.
9:45 — 12:00 – What tools do we have to enhance working, learning, and enjoying the programs and services offered by NSU and beyond. As the premier private research institution in South Florida, we not only have the electronic tools and physical devices to ensure an equal experience by those with physical, hearing or vision disabilities; we are also on the cutting edge of universal design for electronic accessibility to use AI to enhance processing and understanding materials. The Office of Innovation and Information Technology and the Florida Alliance of Assistive Technology will demonstrate how these technologies and tools are used and how they can be obtained.
Topics of Discussion will include:
- Generative Artificial Intelligence: How the current use of AI can be used for speech to text (and text to speech), summarize materials, process data and convert materials into plan language for universal understanding.
- Captioning: How to implement open captioning or real-time text classrooms and events for visual learners or the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing.
- Accessible design of Websites or other Electronic Information: Making PowerPoints, websites, and other materials accessible to ensure compliance with standards.
- Tools in Classrooms: Exploring the accessibility of clickers and other instructional tools (including speech boards, as well as potential for other tools from the Florida Alliance of Assistive Technology
- Assistive Technology: Using programs like JAWS, Kurzweil, and virtual reality (VR) as teaching aids, as well as devices for better living, such as alarm clocks for the Deaf.
- Library Services: Converting physical books and papers into accessible electronic formats using scanners and software.
12:00 – 1:00 Break
1:00 – 1:30 – Brissa Quiroz – Microsoft Director of Accessibility Education – Brissa will discuss how accessible design for persons with disabilities is deeply rooted in Microsoft’s belief that technology should empower everyone, regardless of their abilities. This includes how products are designed with persons with disabilities in mind, including integrating accessibility features, such as screen readers, voice recognition, and adaptive controllers, as well as creating new technologies that can further enhance accessibility, such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller and Seeing AI, an app that helps visually impaired users understand their surroundings.
1:30 — 2:30 – Panel and Listening Session 1 – Why is it important to ensure universal accessibility in educational, medical and legal settings – In the past, the physical and informational barriers limited people with disabilities or conditions from being able to take full advantage of what is offered in the community or maximize success in one’s career. Success in the educational, legal or medical fields should be measured by ones intelligence or ability to do a task or job, not by a condition that may live with. Furthermore, students, clients, and patients should not be limited in their understanding of your services due to disability. Technology today can minimize those barriers.
2:30 – 3:30 – Panel and Listening Session II – How can we help you? The mission of the Office of Innovation and Information Technology (OIIT) at Nova Southeastern University is to create and deliver world-class innovative information technology solutions that support the university’s vision of delivering innovative academic programs in a dynamic, lifelong learning and research environment. As part of that mission, OIIT aims to provide the university community with the technological resources needed to support and complement teaching, learning, and research. OIIT would like to share what they have done and are able to do, and would like to hear from the university community how OIIT can advance its mission of delivering world-class innovative information technology to maximize your ability to learn, teach and research.
Get Involved!
How AI Can Assist with Communication, Learning, and Daily Support
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly enhance accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities as well as for persons without disabilities. AI offers solutions for persons with learning disabilities, autistic individuals, those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and persons looking to enhance study and work effectiveness. AI has proven to be a powerful resource for accessibility, support, and enhanced learning experiences. Its ability to personalize, adapt, and interact with users offers individuals across a wide range of needs the chance to communicate, learn, and engage with their environments independently. As these technologies evolve, they continue to reshape possibilities and contribute to a more inclusive, connected world.
How AI is Transforming Support for People with Learning and Cognitive Processing Disabilities
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the landscape of education and accessibility, offering unique solutions to individuals with learning and cognitive processing disabilities. These disabilities, which may include dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and other processing challenges, often make traditional learning methods difficult. By leveraging personalized content, adaptive study tools, and assistive technology, AI can help break down barriers, making information more accessible and learning more effective.
- Tailored Learning Paths and Personalized Support
Students with ADHD, for example, often struggle with focus and time management. AI-powered apps that break down tasks into manageable chunks and provide reminders or “study breaks” can help maintain attention and reduce overwhelm. Applications allow users to organize their study schedules, with AI offering reminders and suggested time limits that encourage focused study sessions.
- Content Summarization and Simplification
Students with processing disabilities can have difficulty absorbing large amounts of information. AI tools designed to summarize and simplify content provide concise summaries of long texts, highlighting key points and allowing students to focus on essential information. These tools also help students understand dense or technical content by breaking it into manageable sections, removing complex language, or even simplifying sentences.In addition to summarization, some AI tools use visual aids like concept mapping to help students organize and relate different ideas. Visual aids can be especially beneficial for students with dyslexia, who may find it easier to retain information when it’s presented visually rather than textually.
- Text-to-Speech and Speech-to-Text Tools
AI-driven text-to-speech (TTS) and speech-to-text (STT) tools have been game-changers for individuals with reading or writing difficulties. TTS applications read written content aloud, which can help students with dyslexia better process information by listening instead of reading. STT tools transcribe spoken words into text, enabling students who struggle with writing or typing to capture ideas without the physical task of writing. This helps those with dysgraphia or ADHD express their thoughts freely without worrying about spelling or grammar errors.
Audiobooks also utilize TTS, providing an alternative to traditional reading for students with dyslexia or other reading challenges. By using AI to convert textbooks and other educational materials into audio format, students can absorb information in the way that best suits them, improving comprehension and retention.
- Writing Assistance and Grammar Tools
Writing can be particularly challenging for individuals with dysgraphia, ADHD, or other learning disabilities. AI-powered writing assistants provide valuable support by catching grammar mistakes, suggesting alternative phrasing, and even helping with sentence structure. For students who struggle to organize their thoughts, these tools can act as guides, helping them write more clearly and effectively without getting bogged down in the details of grammar or style.
In addition to grammar and structure, these tools often include vocabulary enhancement suggestions and explanations for complex words or phrases, making writing more accessible. This is especially helpful for students who may have difficulty with language processing or who find it challenging to articulate their ideas clearly.
- Organizing and Retrieving Information
Staying organized is a common struggle for students with learning disabilities, particularly those with ADHD. AI-driven note-taking and organizational tools offer a solution by helping students capture, categorize, and retrieve information efficiently. These apps use AI to group notes by topics, keywords, or tags, making it easier to locate specific information when studying or preparing for a test.
Some AI tools go a step further by summarizing a student’s notes into key points, offering condensed outlines for quick review. This feature can save time and reduce stress for students who may feel overwhelmed by large amounts of information, allowing them to focus on the most important material.
Enhancing Focus and Reducing Distractions
Many students with learning disabilities struggle to maintain focus, especially when studying for extended periods. AI-powered focus tools help students monitor their time and stay on task by providing reminders to refocus or suggesting short breaks to prevent burnout. By managing study time and reducing distractions, these tools can make it easier for students with ADHD or similar challenges to establish and maintain productive study habits.
Supporting Autistic Individuals
For autistic individuals, AI-driven tools can bridge communication gaps and promote greater independence. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems offer predictive text, phrase suggestions, and customizable communication boards, making it easier for nonverbal individuals to express their needs and thoughts. AAC apps predict frequently used words to help streamline communication, while some use eye-tracking technology that enables users to interact hands-free.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems
AAC systems use AI to facilitate communication, allowing nonverbal individuals to express their needs, thoughts, and emotions.
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- Predictive Text and Phrase Suggestions: AI in AAC apps can predict frequently used words and phrases, making it easier for users to communicate quickly and effectively.
- Personalized Communication Boards: AI can customize communication boards with symbols, images, and words tailored to the individual’s interests, needs, and language comprehension level.
- Speech Generation and Voice Mimicry
AI-driven speech synthesis technology allows nonverbal individuals to have a voice that sounds natural and even reflects their personality.
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- Voice Customization: AI can create personalized voices, including ones that sound age-appropriate or reflect specific gender characteristics, making communication more personal.
- Emotionally Expressive Speech Synthesis: Some systems can generate speech with varying tones or emphasis to help convey emotions, helping nonverbal individuals communicate more effectively.
- Eye-Tracking and Gesture Recognition Technology
Eye-tracking and gesture recognition technology can help nonverbal individuals interact with devices and communicate using natural, intuitive movements.
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- Eye-Tracking Communication: Devices use eye-tracking technology that lets users select words or images on a screen by looking at them, allowing for seamless, hands-free communication.
- Gesture-Based Interaction: Some AI systems can recognize head or eye movements as commands to form words or sentences, which are then spoken aloud by the system.
- AI-Powered Virtual Assistants for Daily Support
AI-driven virtual assistants can help individuals manage daily routines, tasks, and interactions with greater independence.
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- Scheduling and Reminders: AI can help create personalized schedules, set reminders, and even provide visual cues to guide the user through routines (e.g., brushing teeth, preparing meals).
- Task Guidance: Virtual assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can provide step-by-step guidance for tasks, offering support for tasks that may be challenging for autistic people.
- Emotion Recognition and Social Cues Assistance
- Autistic individuals may face challenges understanding and responding to social cues. AI tools can help by providing insights and context in real time.
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- Emotion Recognition Software: AI systems analyze facial expressions or voice tones of others to help individuals better understand emotions in social interactions.
- Social Interaction Coaching: Virtual agents or avatars can model social skills and provide feedback on eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures, helping individuals develop social communication skills.
- Real-Time Transcription and Translation
AI-powered transcription tools can be helpful for autistic individuals in both educational and social settings.
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- Real-Time Captioning and Transcription: Apps like Otter.ai and Google Live Transcribe convert spoken words into text, enabling individuals to follow along with conversations in real time.
- Symbolic and Visual Translations: AI can help translate text or spoken language into symbols or images that autistic individuals may find easier to understand, bridging gaps in comprehension.
- Augmented Reality (AR) for Social and Life Skills Training
Augmented Reality, powered by AI, can create immersive environments that help autistic individuals practice real-life skills in a safe, controlled setting.
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- Social Interaction Simulations: AR environments can simulate social scenarios, like ordering food or asking for directions, allowing individuals to practice these interactions.
- Daily Skill Development: AR can also be used for training in daily skills, like personal hygiene routines or navigating public transportation, where users can interact with virtual prompts and receive feedback.
Enhancing Accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
AI supports deaf individuals through real-time transcription, sign language translation, and adaptive devices. Real-time captioning tools such as Google Live Transcribe and Otter.ai convert spoken language into text instantly, enabling deaf individuals to follow conversations, lectures, or presentations. Platforms like YouTube and Microsoft Teams provide auto-generated captions, making digital content more accessible.
Sign language recognition systems are also transforming communication. Tools like SignAll and wearable devices such as Sign Language Gloves interpret sign language gestures and convert them into text or speech, helping deaf individuals communicate seamlessly with hearing individuals. Virtual sign language avatars offer an interactive alternative, translating spoken language into sign language in real time.
AI enhances assistive listening devices, too. Smart hearing aids use AI to adapt to different sound environments by reducing background noise and emphasizing speech clarity. This kind of directional sound processing can focus on specific sound sources, improving overall listening experiences.
RSVP Today!
Inclusive Communication & Technology Day: Building a More Accessible Campus (office.com)
Organized by the Shepard Broad College of Law and sponsored by the BEDI Advisory Council