Sharon (she/her/hers)
Adapting Text using AI for Older Learners with Intellectual Disabilities who need or use AAC
Dissertation Chair: Dr. David McNaughton
The Pennsylvania State University, Special Education
Background: Before beginning my doctoral program, I built a career spanning nearly 30 years in special education, general education, and assistive technology. My journey into the world of AAC and AT began in the late 1990s when I became involved with WATI, a passion that continues today through my leadership roles in the WI AAC Network and as a founding member of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Regional Networks (WATRN). My professional experience includes serving as an AT specialist in Wisconsin and Washington school districts, working as an ECSE teacher, SPED/ABA Autism coordinator and teacher, and teaching at both the kindergarten and high school levels in international schools. Additionally, I have worked as a virtual SPED teacher and an ATP in private practice. Throughout these various career positions, I have applied my knowledge and evidence-based practices to teaching communication, literacy, and essential skills. My focus has been on ensuring that all learners—especially those who are non-speaking and use or need AAC—have meaningful participation and access to their general education curriculum, environment, and social relationships.
Current interests: My doctoral studies focus on adapting text to support older learners with intellectual disabilities who use or need AAC, ensuring they have meaningful access to literacy and academic content at their just right reading and comprehension levels. I am particularly interested in how text, vocabulary, and assessment adaptations can enhance comprehension and engagement for students with intellectual disabilities who use or need AAC. My research explores evidence-based strategies for adapting instructional materials to align with learners’ diverse language and cognitive abilities. I aim to develop practical approaches that empower educators to create meaningful participation within inclusive learning environments for all learners.
Sample publications/presentations:
This presentation showcases my research on adapting text for learners who use or need AAC, emphasizing strategies to enhance their access to literacy and academic content. My work explores evidence-based approaches to adapting text, vocabulary, and assessment by utilizing the power of large language models and artificial intelligence.
Research challenges:
- Obtaining participants is a challenge.
- AI is constantly changing. How will my research be received, and what impact will it make when the field of AI is moving so fast? How do I disseminate the findings so that they are meaningful even in this challenging AI environment?