Award
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders 1K99DC023310-01A1
Identifying Vocal Tract Gestures from Audio to Reimagine Biofeedback for Childhood Speech Sound Disorder
Recipient
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Award Amount
$132,695.00
Ceiling
$132,695.00
Awarded
June 25, 2026
Identifier
1K99DC023310-01A1
Research grant awarded to University of Maryland to develop AI-based vocal tract gesture biofeedback for childhood speech sound disorder therapy.
Description
This research aims to improve speech therapy for children with chronic speech sound disorder by creating an artificial intelligence pathway for automated, high-intensity vocal tract gesture biofeedback derived from audio alone. The project involves engineering tools to estimate child vocal tract gestures from audio, classify errors to predict verbal feedback, and personalize tongue visual-biofeedback displays. The goal is to expand the use of best-practice therapy in clinics, telepractice, and at-home settings, addressing a critical public health need to improve lifelong social, educational, and occupational outcomes for Americans with chronic speech sound disorders.