Enhancing Agency in Communication through Co-Design

Speaker: Stephanie Valencia (UMD, College of Information Sciences)

Abstract: Agency and communication are integral to personal development, enabling us topursue and express our goals. However, agency in communication is not static–Many individuals who use speech-generating devices to communicate encounter social constraints and barriers that reduce their agency in conversation including how much they can say, how they can say it, and when they can say it. In this talk, I will explore how adopting an agency-centered design framework can lead to more accessible communication experiences. By focusing on the perspectives and needs of people with disabilities, we can develop technologies that genuinely support their agency in conversation. Drawing from empirical studies and co-design sessions with individuals with disabilities, I will discuss how various technological tools—such as automated transcription, physical artifacts, and AI-driven language generation—can be used to enhance conversational agency. I will also present practical design methods and guidelines for creating inclusive, empowering communication technologies.