Ethereal

The ETHEREAL Research Group at the University of Calgary is dedicated to developing innovative technologies that support communication, inclusion, and autonomy for neurodivergent individuals, particularly nonspeaking autistic people. By combining cutting-edge technology such as extended reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI) with user-centred design, the lab creates practical, accessible solutions tailored to the real-world needs of this population. ETHEREAL’s mission is grounded in collaboration with neurodivergent individuals, their families, educators, therapists, researchers, and community advocacy groups to ensure its work has a meaningful and lasting impact on improving quality of life and fostering inclusion. 

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Technology supports my goal to be independent !

Technology supports my goal to be independent. I started spelling on a letterboard and now type on a keyboard. I like hearing my voice this way.
The HoloBoard excites me most because it is another step towards independence. I could learn to spell with minimal support. This would greatly increase my quality of life.
Eric Herzong
Non speaker participant

The greatest thing to everyone is access to other forms of communication

The science has since proven that non speakers have for long been silenced. The greatest thing to everyone is access to other forms of communication. Everyone has the human right to voice their thoughts. Understanding non-speakers is one of the easiest ways to indirectly help those around them.
Luke Verhoeff
Non speaker participant

My experience has been very positive , and I feel like I have a future !

I think it’s important to participate in assistive technology research because it gives the researchers feedback so they can adjust their style of technology so it will help me and my friends become part of society.
I feel that the ethereal group are the most beautiful people on the planet.  They treat us with respect and they look at us when they talk to us, My experience has been very positive , and I feel like I have a future.
Geoff Ondrich
Non speaker participant

I like having the freedom to share my own ideas !

I enjoy trying new things, and the team is always kind and helpful in every session.
I also like having the freedom to share my own ideas.
John Horner
Non speaker participant

It made me feel like my voice mattered

Q: What was your experience participating in the research ? Rumi : It made me feel like my voice mattered.
Q: Why is it important to you ? Rumi :Society often ignores non-speakers and I am determined to change that.
Q:How was your experience been positive ? Rumi : Every time I meet with the team, they are kind and supportive.
Q:Any other comments : Rumi :This research will help change perception of non-speakers
Rumi
Non speaker participant

It has changed my world !

Q: How was your experience participating in the research ? Jana: changed my world
Q: How so ? Jana: Show my true heart
Q:What have you been able to show us Jana :I am smart
Q:Why has the research been positive ? Jana : opens many doors
Q:What doors do you want opened ? Jana : University
Jana AbuFarha
Non speaker participant

Vision

Our vision at the ETHEREAL Research Group is to create a world where innovative technology empowers neurodivergent individuals to communicate, learn, and thrive with autonomy and confidence, fostering inclusion and meaningful connections for all. 

Mission

Our mission at the ETHEREAL Research Group is to design and develop cutting-edge, user-centered technologies that enhance communication, accessibility, and autonomy for neurodivergent individuals

Innovation

The ETHEREAL Research Group builds practical and evidence based assistive technologies by leveraging extended reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI) in combination with participatory design methodologies that engage neurodivergent individuals as direct collaborators in research .

FAQ

ETHEREAL is a collaborative research endeavour between University of Calgary and University of Virginia and is dedicated to advancing the field of extended reality (XR) to enrich the lives of nonspeaking autistic individuals. We leverage immersive technologies to provide engaging and customized learning experiences, improve communication skills, and empower individuals with new opportunities.

At the Ethereal Research Group, we’re committed to breaking down barriers for neurodivergent individuals with innovative, user-centred technologies. From holographic typing to conversation initiation to AI-powered communication training, our team endeavours to make innovative strides in assistive XR to empower neurodivergent individuals, especially nonspeaking autistic individuals – a group that has high support needs but has been under-studied and under-served. 

A dynamic team of researchers based at the University of Calgary, working to bridge technology and human-centered insights. Our mission? To make research accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone. 

At the Ethereal Research Group, we believe everyone deserves tools that empower communication and autonomy. Our assistive extended reality (XR) projects focus on creating accessible, user-friendly technology for nonspeaking autistic individuals. XR opens new avenues for interaction, from communication approaches personalized to the unique sensori-motor needs of an individual to immersive communication training by AI-enabled agents to complement training obtained from human therapists.

Future events and project updates will be posted on our social media handles. Feel free to register for our newsletter to receive notifications about upcoming events and stay informed about project updates. Feel free to contact us at [ethereal@ucalgary.ca] for inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or further information. Thank you for your interest in ETHEREAL!

Join our Research

Are you a nonspeaking autistic person looking to make a difference? Participate in our research at the ETHEREAL Lab! Your participation is essential—we can’t do this work without you. By sharing your experiences and insights, you help us create tools that truly meet the needs of nonspeaking individuals. Together, we can advance research, and make a meaningful impact. Your voice matters, and we’re excited to work with you to shape the future of assistive technology! 

Join Us