Background: Before starting my PhD program I worked in both education and software development. My first job was working as in-home support staff for adults with developmental disabilities, which sparked my interest in assistive technology and communication. I then taught middle school and high school computer science and middle school orchestra and also worked as a software developer, gaining skills in education, proficiency in the design and development of software, and familiarity with the AT space. My most recent work has been collaborating with the occupation therapy and assistive technology team of a county board of developmental disabilities, where I have gained knowledge of and hands-on experience with AT intervention and implementation.
Current Interests: I am currently focused on the design of high-tech AAC systems. I am specifically interested in how the design of AAC systems impacts the ability of the communicator to engage with and participate in their community. I am also interested in the transition of AT/AAC research to industry and how that process can be improved.
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Keith Vertanen
Presentation topic: Community engagement and AAC
- How should a population be chosen for this interview? What variables (e.g., age, access method, AAC system(s), (dis)ability) should be scoped to create a focused target population while still allowing for robust study?
- How could a concrete and workable definition for “community engagement” be created from qualitative interview responses? Should the participants be guided in any way when asked to define community engagement (e.g., give an existing dictionary-like definition) or be allowed to generate their definition without any prompting?