Talking With Tech AAC Podcast

Owen McGirr: Software Developer, Advocate, and Adaptive Switch User


Listen Later

This week, Chris interviews Owen McGirr (enaboapps.com), a software developer who is a passionate advocate for accessibility in technology! Living with cerebral palsy and using adaptive switches himself, Owen has dedicated his career to creating tools that empower people with disabilities. His innovations include apps like Switchify (switchifyapp.com), which allows users to control Android devices with adaptive switches, and SayIt, an AAC app tailored for effective communication. Through his open-source projects and relentless drive, Owen is transforming technology to be more inclusive and empowering for all!

 

Before the interview, Chris and Rachel discuss why switches can be an overlooked option for AAC users with access issues. They stress the need for professionals to consider a variety of access methods, including switches, to ensure families are aware of all available options!

 

Key Ideas This Week:

 

Importance of Backup Systems: Rachel advocates for having a backup communication system, such as partner-assisted scanning, especially for users of eye tracking. She explains that eye tracking can be fatiguing, and having alternative methods ensures reliable communication.

 

The Role of AI in Development: Owen highlighted how generative AI plays a significant role in his work, aiding tasks like coding, debugging, and brainstorming. However, he emphasized that AI serves as a supportive tool requiring human oversight to ensure accuracy and functionality.

 

Empowerment Through Personalization: Owen’s journey with AAC devices underscores the importance of personalized technology. From starting with basic tools to creating solutions that suit his needs, he advocates for user autonomy in choosing the best tools and methods to empower users to communicate and interact with technology on their own terms.

 

Visit talkingwithtech.org to listen to previous episodes, find new resources, and more!

 

Help us develop new content and keep the podcast going strong! Support our podcast at patreon.com/talkingwithtech!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Talking With Tech AAC PodcastBy Rachel Madel and Chris Bugaj

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

215 ratings


More shows like Talking With Tech AAC Podcast

View all
The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

The Lazy Genius Podcast

6,408 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,140 Listeners

The Next Right Thing by with Emily P. Freeman

The Next Right Thing

5,436 Listeners

Neurodiversity Podcast by Emily Kircher-Morris

Neurodiversity Podcast

399 Listeners

All Things Sensory by Harkla by Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L

All Things Sensory by Harkla

428 Listeners

Speechie Side Up by Venita

Speechie Side Up

129 Listeners

I Have ADHD Podcast by Kristen Carder

I Have ADHD Podcast

2,786 Listeners

Science of Reading: The Podcast by Amplify Education

Science of Reading: The Podcast

620 Listeners

Consider This from NPR by NPR

Consider This from NPR

5,970 Listeners

Two Sides of the Spectrum by Meg Ferrell

Two Sides of the Spectrum

228 Listeners

Uniquely Human: The Podcast by ART19    Uniquely Human

Uniquely Human: The Podcast

394 Listeners

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson by Higher Ground

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

9,865 Listeners

Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

Good Inside with Dr. Becky

4,326 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

We Can Do Hard Things

41,033 Listeners

The Autism Little Learners Podcast by Tara Phillips

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

93 Listeners