Trinity College Dublin researchers launch Irish-language AAC tool for autistic children
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have released a new Irish-language communication tool called Geabaire to help non-speaking autistic students in primary schools this September.
Tool helps non-speaking students communicate
Geabaire is a symbol-based system that lets children generate Irish words and sentences. Synthetic voices then speak these phrases aloud for the classroom. The software was built specifically to match the structure and dialects of Irish.
Launch coincides with new classes
The project team made the tool available for free alongside 24 new autism classes. These classes open in Irish-medium primary schools starting this September. Families and schools can now access the system without cost.
Model for minority languages
Professors Neasa Ní Chiaráin and Emily Barnes describe the project as a game changer. It serves as one of the first Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems designed from scratch for a minority EU language. The approach offers a potential model for other endangered language communities worldwide.
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