Introduction

Inclusive education is essential for equitable and participatory learning, yet children with complex communication needs often face barriers to full engagement. Recent advancements in Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and specifically Text-to-Speech (TTS) systems offer transformative possibilities to address these challenges. This Special Thematic Session focuses on exploring emerging technologies and methodologies that enhance accessibility, foster engagement, and empower learners, with an emphasis on the potential of synthesized children’s voices.

This session is inspired by the newly launched ERASMUS+ VOICE KIDS project, which aims to develop co-designed frameworks for AAC and TTS technologies. VOICE KIDS is going to lay the groundwork for creating innovative storytelling and classroom tools that support inclusive educational environments. At AAATE 2025, the project will present its vision, preliminary concepts, and early prototypes, inviting feedback, contribution and collaboration from the assistive technology and educational communities.

Addressing intersections of assistive technology, inclusive pedagogy, and ethical design, this session invites contributions that showcase exploratory research, innovative ideas, and early-stage applications of AAC and TTS. Through this dialogue, we aim to inspire educators, technologists, and policymakers to collaboratively innovate and shape the future of inclusive education.

Invitation for contributions

The Special Thematic Session on “Innovative Technologies for Inclusive Education: Exploring AAC and Voice Synthesis for All Learners” welcomes contributions that explore emerging ideas, innovative technologies, and early-stage applications in Assistive Technology (AT), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and specifically Text-to-Speech (TTS) systems. With a focus on supporting learners with complex communication needs, this session aims to facilitate dialogue and collaboration on the potential of synthesized children’s voices and inclusive educational tools.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Emerging Technologies

• a. Conceptual frameworks for developing AAC and TTS tools.
• b. Early-stage innovations in child-friendly voice synthesis.
• c. Integration of AI-driven solutions in assistive technologies.

Inclusive Educational Practices

• d. Preliminary approaches for enhancing classroom dynamics using AAC and TTS.
• e. Co-creation processes involving educators, learners, and families.
• f. Exploratory studies on the use of storytelling for inclusive education.

Design and Ethical Considerations

• g. Best practices for ethical design in assistive technologies.
• h. Early insights into accessibility challenges and solutions in education.

Collaboration and Feedback

• i. Opportunities for collaboration on AAC and TTS prototypes.
• j. Feedback on pilot activities and initial trials of assistive technologies.

We encourage researchers, educators, technologists, and practitioners to share research ideas, experiences, and exploratory findings. This session will provide a unique opportunity to discuss and shape the future of inclusive education, contributing to the development of transformative tools and methodologies for learners with diverse needs.

Chair

Silvio M Pagliara, University of Cagliari, Italy, silviom.pagliara@unica.it

Branislav Gerazov, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia, gerazov@feit.ukim.edu.mk

Francesco Zanfardino, GLIC Association, Italy, f.zanfardino@centriausili.it