Telepractice

1388L - New Technology and Games for Futurist Clinicians: From Voice Assistant Alexa to Augmented Reality

Friday, November 18, 2022

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM CT

Format: 1-Hour Seminar (In-Person)

Audience: Students, International Affiliates, Public/Consumers, Researchers, Related Professionals, Assistants, Early Career Professionals (under 5 years)

Keywords: pediatrics, augmented reality, voice assistant, games, telepractice

Presenting Author(s)

Yao Du

University of Southern California
Michelle Boisvert, PhD, CCC-SLP

Supervising Clinician
NetSLP
Yusa Liu

San Francisco State University and Fullerton School District
Grace Breslin

Monmouth University
Lori Price

Apple Tree Speech/Mercer Island School District
Jennifer Vega

Long Beach Unified School District

The increase in the popularity of voice assistants (VAs), such as Siri and Alexa, offer innovative technology advancements for implementation in speech-language sessions across differing clinical settings for clients of all ages via a speaking modality. However, research in the field of speech, language and hearing sciences is needed to determine strategies for successful implementation in therapeutic settings. Augmented Reality (AR) overlaps computer-generated information into natural environments and facilitates in-the-moment interaction for students across various daily living settings. There is a current lack of research that explores the use of AR for direct services with students who have complex communication needs. This session presents multiple feasibility studies integrating voice assistants and AR during therapy to support functional communication skills development.

Learning Objectives:

Identify two different ways to incorporate Alexa technology in speech therapy activities (demo for the software app, video samples for the PPT paired with a hardware device)
Use voice assistant Alexa smart devices in a teletherapy context for pediatric clients with speech-language disorders (e.g., visuoaudio cues, instructions before hand, etc.)
Describe the benefits (e.g., client motivation and engagement) and challenges for adopting voice technology (e.g., detecting human verbal responses) and augmented reality (AR) for more effective integration in therapy