#099 - Making Communication Accessible and Empowering for All: The Story of Verbali with Shay Cohen
Wed Oct 29 2025
Summary
In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Shay Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Verbali, an innovative AAC platform designed to enhance communication for children with speech challenges. Shay shares the personal story behind Verbali, inspired by his son Matan, who is nonverbal. The conversation delves into the limitations of traditional AAC tools and how Verbali leverages AI to create a more fluid and natural communication experience. The discussion also covers customization options, the role of user feedback, and the future vision for the product, including potential integrations with fitness environments and eye gaze technology.
Takeaways
Shay Cohen's motivation for Verbali stems from his son Matan's communication challenges.Verbali aims to provide a more natural conversation flow for AAC users.AI is used to predict and suggest responses, enhancing communication speed.Customization is key to making AAC tools effective for individual users.The app learns from user interactions to improve its suggestions over time.User feedback is actively sought to enhance the app's features.The vision includes expanding Verbali's capabilities to various devices, including smartwatches.Social stories can be created using AI to prepare children for new environments.Eye gaze technology is on the roadmap for future integration.The goal is to make AAC accessible and engaging for all users.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Verbali and Its Mission
02:53 - The Personal Story Behind Verbali
06:06 - Enhancing Communication with AI
08:55 - Customization and User Experience
12:01 - The Role of AI in AAC Technology
15:12 - Addressing Concerns and Challenges with AI
17:54 - User Personas and Their Needs
21:09 - Integrating Contextual Signals for Better Communication
23:47 - Future Plans and Pricing Models
30:47 - The Evolution of Communication Tools
39:23 - User Feedback and Iteration
43:15 - Expanding Use Cases in Different Environments
49:20 - Future Innovations and Inclusivity
56:57 - Accessing and Supporting the Technology
Verbali - links
Website: https://www.verbali.io
Ma-Talk on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ma-talk-ai/id6747360381?platform=ipad
Ma-Talk on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.verbali.matalkai&pcampaignid=web_share
Verbali on the social networks:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Verbali-AI
X: https://x.com/verbaliAI
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verbali-ai
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verbaliAI
More
Summary In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Shay Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Verbali, an innovative AAC platform designed to enhance communication for children with speech challenges. Shay shares the personal story behind Verbali, inspired by his son Matan, who is nonverbal. The conversation delves into the limitations of traditional AAC tools and how Verbali leverages AI to create a more fluid and natural communication experience. The discussion also covers customization options, the role of user feedback, and the future vision for the product, including potential integrations with fitness environments and eye gaze technology. Takeaways Shay Cohen's motivation for Verbali stems from his son Matan's communication challenges.Verbali aims to provide a more natural conversation flow for AAC users.AI is used to predict and suggest responses, enhancing communication speed.Customization is key to making AAC tools effective for individual users.The app learns from user interactions to improve its suggestions over time.User feedback is actively sought to enhance the app's features.The vision includes expanding Verbali's capabilities to various devices, including smartwatches.Social stories can be created using AI to prepare children for new environments.Eye gaze technology is on the roadmap for future integration.The goal is to make AAC accessible and engaging for all users. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Verbali and Its Mission 02:53 - The Personal Story Behind Verbali 06:06 - Enhancing Communication with AI 08:55 - Customization and User Experience 12:01 - The Role of AI in AAC Technology 15:12 - Addressing Concerns and Challenges with AI 17:54 - User Personas and Their Needs 21:09 - Integrating Contextual Signals for Better Communication 23:47 - Future Plans and Pricing Models 30:47 - The Evolution of Communication Tools 39:23 - User Feedback and Iteration 43:15 - Expanding Use Cases in Different Environments 49:20 - Future Innovations and Inclusivity 56:57 - Accessing and Supporting the Technology Verbali - links Website: https://www.verbali.io Ma-Talk on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ma-talk-ai/id6747360381?platform=ipad Ma-Talk on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.verbali.matalkai&pcampaignid=web_share Verbali on the social networks: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Verbali-AI X: https://x.com/verbaliAI Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verbali-ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verbaliAI