S8 E4: AI Possibilities featuring Samuel Sennott

Join us as we speak with Dr. Samuel Sennott, professor of special education at Portland State University and co-creator of the original Proloquo2Go AAC app. Dr. Sennott shares the inspiring story behind creating one of the most widely used Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools. He also dives into the future, discussing how AI could shift deeply ingrained attitude barriers toward AAC users, how it can support literacy and talks about specific apps and how they harness AI to support communication. Most profoundly, Dr. Sennott opens up about his personal journey with cancer and how becoming a patient dramatically reshaped his views on life, healthcare, and the participatory model of AAC.

Episode Resources:

AAC Peer Support Project Final Report https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2025-05/AAC%20Peer%20Support%20Project%20Final%20Report%20and%20Appendices_revised%20compressed.pdf 

AAC and Artificial Intelligence. Sennott SC, Akagi L, Lee M, Rhodes A.

AAC and Artificial Intelligence (AI) - PMC

Supporting Individuals Who Use AAC: Breaking Down Opportunity Barriers: https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publications/supporting-individuals-who-use-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-breaking-down-opportunity-barriers?srsltid=AfmBOoorIDEMePZTn0WaASTh-om79hpLtxhArgmfM90aHBIe1wybUrBk 

Lateef McLoud: https://speaker.ussaac.org/speaker/lateef-mcleod-oakland-ca/ 

OKR TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/john_doerr_why_the_secret_to_success_is_setting_the_right