AI, Communication Aids and the Challenge of Authentic Authorship - Whose Line Is It Anyway‽

TY - JOUR

T1 - AI, Communication Aids and the Challenge of Authentic Authorship - Whose Line Is It Anyway‽

AU - Griffiths, Tom

AU - Broomfield, Katherine

AU - Hrastelj, Laura

AU - Judge, Simon

AU - Toogood, Jonathan

N1 - Copyright © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited

PY - 2025/6/13

Y1 - 2025/6/13

N2 - Purpose AI and, more specifically, large language models (LLMs) have great scope for use in voice output communication aids (VOCAs), and this is being realised as the technology finds a greater foothold in mainstream systems. Design/methodology/approach In this paper we examine what we know is important in VOCA design and use the approach of casuistry to examine the potential ethical implications of the use of LLMs in VOCAs. Findings We suggest that there is relevant similarity between some potential applications of LLMs and the discredited technique of facilitated communication (FC). We highlight risks related to authorship and authenticity of the message produced by LLM-enabled VOCAs and discuss the importance of a holistic view of communication, which is multi-modal and co-constructed by all participants, generating agreed meaning with a shared understanding of where that meaning originates. We also draw attention to the potential impact of LLMs on language and communication development, where they may remove important opportunities for co-construction, correction and non-VOCA interactions that are so vital to development. Originality/value Ultimately, we recognise the potential benefits of LLMs in VOCAs but counsel against a technoableist, technology-led implementation of LLMs without due consideration of the communication needs of VOCA users. We counsel against the uncritical inclusion of LLMs within new and existing VOCAs, and encourage a deeper engagement with the ethical risks of doing so, as well as with important concepts such as authorship, humanness and user-centred design.

AB - Purpose AI and, more specifically, large language models (LLMs) have great scope for use in voice output communication aids (VOCAs), and this is being realised as the technology finds a greater foothold in mainstream systems. Design/methodology/approach In this paper we examine what we know is important in VOCA design and use the approach of casuistry to examine the potential ethical implications of the use of LLMs in VOCAs. Findings We suggest that there is relevant similarity between some potential applications of LLMs and the discredited technique of facilitated communication (FC). We highlight risks related to authorship and authenticity of the message produced by LLM-enabled VOCAs and discuss the importance of a holistic view of communication, which is multi-modal and co-constructed by all participants, generating agreed meaning with a shared understanding of where that meaning originates. We also draw attention to the potential impact of LLMs on language and communication development, where they may remove important opportunities for co-construction, correction and non-VOCA interactions that are so vital to development. Originality/value Ultimately, we recognise the potential benefits of LLMs in VOCAs but counsel against a technoableist, technology-led implementation of LLMs without due consideration of the communication needs of VOCA users. We counsel against the uncritical inclusion of LLMs within new and existing VOCAs, and encourage a deeper engagement with the ethical risks of doing so, as well as with important concepts such as authorship, humanness and user-centred design.

KW - Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

KW - Facilitated communication

KW - Artificial intelligence (AI)

KW - Large language models (LLMs)

KW - Ethics

KW - Casuistry

KW - Voice output communication aids (VOCAs)

KW - Authorship

KW - Critical disability studies

KW - ethical AI

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105005589886

U2 - 10.1108/JET-01-2025-0005

DO - 10.1108/JET-01-2025-0005

M3 - Article

SN - 2398-6263

VL - 19

SP - 102

EP - 112

JO - Journal of Enabling Technologies

JF - Journal of Enabling Technologies

IS - 2

ER -