Creating wearable technology to improve communication for children with speech difficulties
Official title: Breaking new ground in augmentative and alternative communication: developing wearable technology for automatic collection and analysis of language data using artificial intelligence
Funded at University of New Hampshire · NIH-11074657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a smart finger ring that helps track and understand how children who use communication devices are doing with their language skills, making it easier for parents and speech therapists to see their progress and support them better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Hampshire NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $190,805 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021808-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have limited language and speech abilities and use AAC devices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use AAC devices or have typical speech and language abilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wearable finger ring system that utilizes artificial intelligence to automatically collect and analyze language data from children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. The goal is to streamline the evaluation of language performance, making it easier for caregivers and speech-language pathologists to monitor progress and tailor interventions. By automating the data collection process, the research aims to provide more accurate insights into the communication abilities of children with limited speech, ultimately enhancing their AAC experience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve communication outcomes for children with speech difficulties by providing more effective and personalized AAC interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology and AI for language analysis, indicating that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in AAC interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Hampshire
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Szu-Han K — University of New Hampshire
- Study coordinator: Chen, Szu-Han K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.