The PSU AAC community extends warm thanks to Dr. William McIlvane for his recent visit. Dr. McIlvane was here as part of an annual scientific review with Dr. Krista Wilkinson regarding their research together, and also took the opportunity to meet with a variety of faculty and graduate students. He provided feedback and insight on research efforts related to eye tracking.
Dr. McIlvane is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and was the Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center from 2003 – 2013. He and Dr. Wilkinson have a long history of collaborations, including:
Interdisciplinary exploration of visual-perceptual processes in the design of aided AAC symbol displays (NICHD P01 HD 25995, 2007-2012): Run in collaboration with the Shriver Center of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, this project seeks to initiate study of the application of visual cognitive neuroscience to applied communication outcomes.
Eye Tracking Technologies to Characterize and Optimize Visual Attending in Down Syndrome (NIH 1R01HD083381, 2016-2021): Because AAC relies on vision rather than sound/speech for access to the communication messages, it is critical to map out how children with DS examine and extract information from visual AAC displays.
We are incredibly grateful for Dr. McIlvane’s time with the PSU AAC community!