FSU researchers are part of team receiving 5 million dollar grant to develop AI tools for children with speech and language challenges
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida State University is stepping into the future of communication for children with speech and language challenges. Researchers from FSU are part of a multi-institutional team awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop innovative tools using artificial intelligence. The effort is aimed at helping children who face significant communication barriers express themselves more effectively.
Leading the charge from FSU are Andrea Barton-Hulsey and Michelle Therrien, associate professors in the School of Communication Science and Disorders. They will direct two of the six projects funded under the five-year Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) grant. The focus of the work is clear: leverage AI to create tools that allow children with severe speech and language limitations to communicate more easily, precisely, and confidently.
The collaborative nature of the project is also notable. The research team includes experts from the University of Arkansas, Auburn University, Penn State University, and Temple University, along with a constituent board of adults who use AAC themselves. By integrating the experiences and insights of those with firsthand knowledge of communication challenges, the project ensures that the tools developed are grounded in real-world needs.
“I am thrilled that the work of Dr. Therrien and Dr. Barton-Hulsey is being supported through this significant funding,” said Dean Michelle Kazmer of FSU’s College of Communication and Information. “Their combined expertise and innovative application of AI will help improve the lives of young people, both those who use augmentative and alternative communication tools as well as those who interact with them. Their impactful solutions in application of health technologies align beautifully with FSU Health and with the needs of children in Florida and across the globe.”
Dr. Therrien’s work will concentrate on playgrounds, social zones where children naturally interact. Her project will identify these zones, analyze the language used in them, and develop technology supports to help children who rely on AAC communicate more effectively with peers. The goal is to reduce social isolation and foster meaningful relationships, which are essential for physical health, mental well-being, academic performance, and community engagement.
“Friendships are protective factors for physical health, mental health, academic performance, and community engagement,” Therrien said. “Giving children a voice is critical to building relationships and preventing social isolation.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Barton-Hulsey is focusing on literacy assessment. Her project seeks to create and evaluate new technology that measures literacy in children with intellectual or developmental disabilities who use AAC. The aim is to ensure that children are not judged solely by their ability to speak, but are recognized for their true potential and given the tools to succeed academically and socially.
“Providing young children with communication tools not only gives them credibility but also prevents judgment about their true abilities, opening doors to academic learning and further development,” Barton-Hulsey said.
The broader project emphasizes collaboration across disciplines. Engineers, educators, and adults who use AAC are all contributing to the development of tools that are practical, effective, and accessible. The team also ensures that participants are fairly compensated for their time and expertise, reflecting a commitment to ethical and inclusive research practices.
“These grants allow us to address gaps in supporting early communication and literacy development for children who use limited or no speech,” Barton-Hulsey said. “Our collaboration with engineers, educators and adults who use AAC is essential to developing effective tools and strategies.”
FSU’s involvement in this initiative builds on the university’s growing reputation for cutting-edge research in communication sciences. The projects under the grant are expected to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge surrounding AAC, generating strategies that can be applied across the lifespan to improve human communication.
“This grant is a testament to the expertise and innovative approaches of Dr. Barton-Hulsey and Dr. Therrien to solving real-world challenges,” said SCSD Director Carla Wood. “This award positions our school as a vital hub for cutting-edge AAC research that will directly impact clinical practice, inform how we prepare the next generation of practitioners, and strengthen our collaborative work through FSU Health to serve children and families in our community and beyond. We are incredibly proud that their work helps ensure that every child has access to the communication tools they need.”
With this funding, FSU and its partners will explore the full potential of artificial intelligence in improving communication outcomes for children with speech and language challenges. From playground interactions to literacy development, the goal is to empower children to express themselves, form relationships, and participate fully in learning and social experiences.
The projects under this initiative also highlight the value of multi-institutional collaboration, combining academic research, engineering expertise, and lived experiences to create tools that are both innovative and practical. Researchers are optimistic that the outcomes will have a lasting impact on families, educators, and healthcare providers who support children with communication difficulties.
For more information about FSU’s College of Communication and Information, visit cci.fsu.edu. To learn more about FSU’s School of Communication Science and Disorders, visit commdisorders.cci.fsu.edu.
