Stephanie Valencia

Papers

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About

Dr. Stephanie Valencia is a leading voice in human-computer interaction, with a research focus on accessible technologies that bridge the gap between physical motion and communication. Her most impactful work centers on reimagining augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for people with motor disabilities. In her highly cited 2021 paper, "Co-designing Socially Assistive Sidekicks for Motion-based AAC" (35 citations), Dr. Valencia identified a critical gap: traditional AAC devices support speech but fail to capture nonverbal communication—the subtle motions that regulate turn-taking, express intent, and shape social dynamics. Her major contribution is the development of motion-based AAC systems that transform residual movement into expressive, socially assistive interactions, effectively giving users a "sidekick" that conveys their physical presence and conversational cues. This work has profound implications for inclusive design, demonstrating that communication is not just about words but also about the body's role in social connection. By centering co-design with disabled users, Dr. Valencia’s research challenges static assistive technology paradigms, earning her recognition as a pioneer in accessible, motion-driven interaction design.