Presenter
Valerie Rosario
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices help individuals experiencing challenges with verbal communication, including English language learners, individuals who are hard of hearing, on the autism spectrum, or those experiencing anxiety disorders. Current technologies include low-tech communication boards and complex mobile applications, but both of these offer little customization. Our prototypes integrate touch-sensing panels and small LCD screens into common wearables, like necklaces and lanyards, so that the ACC discretely blends in with everyday apparel and provides on-demand communication that is customizable to the individual user. The touch-sensing pads are sensory-friendly, and the LCD screens operate without sound to support users who experience sensory dysfunction or who have sensory processing disorder (SPD). The necklace variant has textile pads located on the opposite side of each jewel on the necklace, and the lanyard variant has touch pads opposite the pattern or words on the lanyard fabric. A web application allows the users to create profiles containing specific text or images appropriate for various environments, like school or work. Current prototypes are optimized to reduce bulkiness and increase the ability to hide the screen when it is not needed. These new devices offer a more discrete and customizable option.
Faculty Mentor
Nicole Urban, Ph.D.
Academic Discipline
College of Arts & Sciences; College of Engineering & Design
Repository Citation
Rosario, Valerie; Kearney, Rileigh; Soares, Hailey; Martinez, Kristen; and Pereira, Hannah, "Wearable Lanyard ACC for On-Demand Communication" (2025). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 217.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/217
