This project is designed to revolutionize communication techniques for children with physical disabilities who cannot effectively use existing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.

Approximately 97 million individuals require AAC techniques due to disability. However, disabled children may not possess the motor abilities to access AAC devices. By harnessing brain activity, brain-computer interfaces for AAC (BCI-AAC) can support access to communication for those with SSPI who may find existing methods of AAC access ineffective or inefficient. 

While adult-based BCI-AAC research has laid a crucial foundation, existing P300-BCI-AAC research has primarily focused on new signal processing algorithms rather than advancing existing signals toward implementation, limiting meaningful advancements. 

Children with limited language/literacy skills can use AAC through displays that incorporate photos, which present communication items in real-world context, in stark contrast to traditional P300-based BCI-AAC grid spelling layouts. 

Researchers aim to help overcome existing exclusions by informing picture-based P300-BCI-AAC development for children; and clinical translation, by determining initial levels of P300-BCI-AAC performance for both healthy children and those with SSPI, alongside establishing factors impacting success and children's BCI-AAC design preferences. 

Findings will support BCI-AAC development, workforce training and acceptance of those with disability by:

• developing novel, hands-on educational content for undergraduate and graduate courses in AAC by incorporating BCI-AAC technology in the classroom;
• fostering STEM interest and disability awareness and acceptance for underrepresented populations, including women and those with physical disability; and
• enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration and research convergence among students.