CEC Webinar | Using AI for Speech Recognition and Sensory Access in Supporting Teacher Candidates

This webinar is hosted by TED, TAG, and ISET as a part of the Interdivisional Grant Program. This webinar will explore crucial aspects of integrating artificial intelligence tools to enhance inclusive educational practices. 

During the webinar, we will delve into key topics such as:

1. Opportunities and challenges associated with utilizing AI tools for speech recognition among individuals with vision and hearing impairments.
2. Essential considerations for preparing teacher candidates, particularly those with sensory limitations, as we demonstrate using AI tools to foster inclusive educational environments.
3. Strategies for incorporating these considerations and associated cautions and opportunities into teacher preparation programs

Panelists

• Amanda Lannan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Visually Impaired, Teacher Preparation Program, University of Kentucky
  • Amanda’s research is focused on increasing equitable access to high quality mathematics instruction for students with disabilities. She specializes in the use of assistive technology and tactile learning to teach STEM content to students with visual impairments.
• Nicholas Hoekstra, Program Manager, Inclusive Development Partners and Doctoral Candidate, University of Kansas
  • Nick’s work focuses on the incorporation of inclusive education strategies, especially UDL, in international projects financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). His projects primarily target higher education for marginalized groups, as well as preservice teacher training in low-resource contexts.
• Nick Solomon, PhD; President, Adaptive Disability Services
  • Nick currently serves as the President-Elect for the Division for Communication, Language, and the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing (DCD) of CEC and also consults for and works as an adjunct professor for multiple universities across the US. Nick's interests and research focuses are on transition and assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.
• Joseph Brazier, Education Azure Solution Specialist
  • Joe leads the Education Azure Strategy on the Worldwide Education Team.  He works closely with our Education Industry colleagues, education partners, marketing, and device teams to help refine, develop, and deliver our vision for the evolving landscape of Data & Generative AI.

Respondents

• Don McMahon, PhD, Associate Professor of Special Education, Washington State University
  • Don's work focuses on universal design for learning and assistive technology to help students with disabilities. His research activities include projects implementing augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence tools.  
• Rebecca Sheffield, Ph.D., Education Program Specialist,  U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
  • Rebecca is a project officer for OSEP-funded projects and centers focusing on personnel preparation, accessibility, and sensory disabilities. Rebecca is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and, prior to joining OSEP, served as a teacher of students with visual impairments in Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Lisa Dieker, Williamson Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas (KU)
  • Lisa directs the Achievement and Assessment Institute Flexible Learning through Innovations in Technology & Education (FLITE) Center at KU. Her research focuses on using innovative technology to build a bridge between general education and special education in STEM content.
• Matthew Marino, Professor at the School of Teacher Education, University of Central Florida
  • Dr. Matthew Marino’s research focuses on technology-enhanced solutions to improve the accessibility of curricular materials for a diverse range of learners.  He develops strategic programs and partnerships to solve critical challenges in undergraduate and K-12 education.

Resources

• One-pager from the DCMP about their AI Scene Description Tool