Bridge CEO Delivers Keynote: Welcoming the Future: AI as a Partner in Family-Centered Early Intervention

This month Bridge’s CEO, Matt Kaplowitz, delivered the plenary keynote address at the Family-Centered Early Intervention (FCEI) 2026 International Congress. Titled “Welcoming the Future: Artificial Intelligence as a Partner in Family-Centered Early Intervention,” the keynote explored how AI tools are being applied to support early childhood language, cognition, and family engagement—particularly for young children with sensory impairments and developmental delays. According to Kaplowitz,

“This technology supports live and prerecorded narration, as well as early language modeling and emergent literacy. These tools are designed to serve as co-pilots to educators, caregivers, and accessibility professionals — extending human expertise while respecting the role of relational learning in early childhood.”

The FCEI Congress is a leading international convening for professionals, advocates, and families committed to optimizing outcomes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, ages birth to five. The event draws participation from over 50 countries and focuses on best practices that are collaborative, wide-ranging, and family-driven. This year’s theme was “Shaping Tomorrow: Ideas, Innovations, and Challenges” and Kaplowitz got the show on the road by facilitating a pre-conference symposium for educators, parents, and Deaf leaders.

Bridge’s Chief Innovation Officer, John Cavanagh, said

“Bridge, working at the crossroads of accessibility and innovation, was a natural fit for FCEI. Our mission includes the ethical development of AI-based tools for accessible education to close communication gaps. Our team of accessibility specialists and technology strategists are guided by a Deaf Advisory Board that provides consultancy on our content for Deaf children. Bridge participated in the 2026 FCEI Conference to engage in an international conversation about imagining, shaping, and championing tools that reflect the values of family-centered early intervention.”

As always, Onwards!

The Bridge Team