Advancements in Technology, Accessibility and Equity in Schools

Our reliance on technology to function in society has never been greater. Unfortunately for people with limited access or ability to use technology, this places their access to necessary services even further out of reach than ever. These digital divides have a disproportionate impact on people of color, people with disabilities, and other minoritized populations. Our research on technology to support or deliver evidence-based practices focuses on improving both the effectiveness of these practices and their accessibility across diverse populations. Through community-engaged research that involves local and national stakeholders, we also have an emerging research program focused on identifying and reducing barriers to services for people with disabilities with culturally, linguistically, and racially diverse backgrounds.

Teacher in a library looking over the shoulder of a seated student who has an open laptop on his table. Two other students are out of focus in the background.

Research Highlights

Adobe stock photo of children doing science

News: Studying AI Analysis of Children's Language

Scientists at the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, a KU Life Span Institute center in Kansas City, Kansas, have been testing how artificial intelligence (AI) could be applied to measure verbal interactions unobtrusively and automatically in a variety of settings.
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Teacher reading a book with a young child who is wearing a hooded sweatshirt

Project: Use of AI to Measure Communication

The Early Communication Indicator (IGDIs ECI website) is an internationally-used standardized observational measure with strong psychometric properties. It is designed to support screening and progress monitoring of children 6-42 months of age. Like all standardized observational assessments, the ECI requires training and staff time to administer and score each assessment, which most infant-toddler programs and pediatric offices cannot afford.
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Jay Buzhardt

Featured Investigator: Jay Buzhardt

Dr. Buzhardt's research interests focus on using technology to improve parents' and educators' use of evidence-based practices for children not making expected progress on targeted outcomes. Specifically, he uses principles of implementation science and usability engineering to design applications that reduce the burden of evidence-based practices and data-driven decision making.
Publications