Stephanie Valencia

Stephanie Valencia is an Assistant Professor in the College of Information at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on equitable access to assistive technologies (AT), particularly augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for underrepresented groups. She employs participatory design methodologies to develop AI-driven and open-source solutions, emphasizing user agency, accessibility, and real-world impact. Valencia holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute.

• Affiliations: Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL), Maryland Initiative for Digital Accessibility (MIDA), Organizational Teams & Technology Society (OTTRS), Values-Centered Artificial Intelligence (VCAI) Initiative
• Key Projects: Ijwi AAC device for Rwanda's schools, DIY communication tools with AAC users, and low-cost open-source AT

Her work addresses global disparities in AT access, with recognition including MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 (2017) and multiple best-paper awards. She actively collaborates with UNICEF and Rwandan educational systems to scale inclusive technologies.