Augmentative and Alternative Communication Emerging Trends, Opportunities and Innovations - Introduction to the Special Thematic Session.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies, training and support have benefitted from significant emerging trends in recent years to cope with the changing environments experienced by many users. The landscape of inclusion, whether it means different forms of digital accessibility, tele-support or more built-in assistive technology in everyday devices, has helped many more individuals with speech and language difficulties communicate effectively. There has also been an increased use of artificial intelligence, including machine learning and natural language processing with improved multilingual automatic speech recognition (ASR) and text to speech, location capturing apps and the Internet of Things being just a few of the technologies providing the world of AAC with a wealth of exciting emerging trends, opportunities and innovations. This special thematic session aims to provide an insight into some of the trends developing across Europe and the wider community.