(This is a copy of the IST Newsletter emailed to everyone on my list on 12/5/25)
As we close out 2025, I’m excited to share what I’ve been working on this fall and share information about worthwhile opportunities coming in early 2026 to support you, your students, clients, and loved ones.
Meet My Office Companions
Before we dive in, I thought you might enjoy meeting my office companions who sometimes make cameo appearances during our Zoom sessions:
🎁 Free Webinar: 5 Top Tech Picks for 2025
Next week, I’ll be sharing my top five technology picks that are making a real difference for students, caregivers, professionals, and people across the lifespan with communication, cognitive, and learning challenges.
Date & Time: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET (live on Zoom)
During this complimentary webinar, I’ll also provide details about upcoming courses and membership opportunities for 2026.
The session will be recorded for those unable to attend live.
In this FREE 45-minute session, you’ll learn:
- Which free tool saved a college student loads of time learning new information
- A new accessibility feature hiding in Chrome
- A free privacy-focused genAI tool
- A fantastic device to stay in touch with loved ones from a distance
- An app that uses AI to convert unintelligible speech into editable text or speech that others can understand
Plus: Exclusive previews of upcoming courses (described below) that I’ve created, and the Inner Circle membership to help you figure out which is right for you
Can’t make it live? No problem! Register anyway, and I’ll send you the recording.
SOUNDS GREAT! I WANT TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE WEBINAR!
Recent Speaking Engagements
This fall has been very rewarding, with opportunities to connect and share practical tech strategies with diverse communities:
WAVE Conference 2025 – Supporting the Village Movement
I presented “Putting Technology to Work for Your Village“ to leaders across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We explored how accessible tools like Google Workspace, Canva, and AI assistants can help Villages operate more efficiently while better supporting aging adults—all within limited budgets and resources.
Click here to learn more about the aging-in-place movement.
Tech First SHIFT – Accessibility Solutions for Adults with IDD
My presentation on “AI, Accessibility and Aging“ focused on helping caregivers discover simple, person-centered approaches to technology. The key message: you don’t need to be a tech expert to activate life-changing features already available on most devices.
ASHA Convention 2025
Attending the convention in Washington, DC provided valuable insights into emerging accessibility tools and AI-supported communication solutions. I look forward to incorporating these innovations into upcoming sessions and collaborating with the many talented professionals I connected with.
Recent Podcast Appearances
If you’re traveling over the holidays or enjoy learning during your commute or when out walking the dogs (which is when I listen to podcasts), these conversations might interest you:
🎤 ChildNEXUS Podcast: “Using Technology to Support Neurodivergent Students“
A thoughtful discussion with Dr. Karen Wilson about practical tools and strategies for students with diverse learning needs.
🎤 Starting with IEP Podcast: “How Assistive Technology Unlocks Kids’ Independence” (Episode 7)
Host Flor de Amelia and I explored AAC tools, literacy supports, and why assistive technology should be part of every IEP conversation.
Special Opportunity: Tech Life Inner Circle
🎁 Holiday Bonus: Join by January 31 for a complimentary 30-minute consultation
I wish there had been an affordable group like this back in the day when I was struggling to figure out and keep up with tech!
Each week, I look forward to this session. It really does make my day to help others resolve their tech issues or learn about transformative tech to improve so many aspects of life.
The Tech Life Inner Circle provides ongoing support and learning in a collaborative environment. Each week, members gather to explore practical solutions and address real-world tech challenges. We enjoy learning together!
What’s Included:
- Weekly 45-minute Q&A and problem-solving sessions
- Focused “Tech Talk” mini-lessons on current topics
- Access to our growing library of recordings and resources
- A supportive community of educators, caregivers, and lifelong learners
Our sessions are intentionally kept small to ensure personalized attention. Members often describe them as invaluable for getting specific questions answered and staying current with emerging technologies.
Investment: Less than $2 per day
Special Bonus: Join by January 31, 2026, and receive a complimentary 30-minute private consultation to develop your personalized tech goals.
THE INNER CIRCLE SOUNDS GREAT! I WANT TO LEARN MORE!
Upcoming Courses for 2026
Each course features three live 90-minute Zoom sessions (recorded and available for replay) with practical demonstrations, guided practice, digital downloads, and a private 30-minute consultation to help you implement what you’ve learned.
Registration is now open for the Tech Possibility Academy and Tech for College Success!
Tech Possibility Academy – Cohort 2
Dates: January 13, 20, 27 | Time: Tuesdays, 1:00–2:30 PM ET
This foundational course focuses on what’s possible when everyday technology is used with purpose and confidence. It offers a clear, approachable look at my favorite tech tools and strategies that I use all the time to help others stay organized, improve focus, take better notes, read and write more efficiently, and keep up with today’s tech-driven expectations.
Designed for neurodiverse learners, families, professionals, and aging adults, it’s a practical, supportive way to build independence, reduce stress, and make technology work for you—not against you.
I WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TECH POSSIBILITY ACADEMY!
Tech for College Success – 2026 Edition
Dates: January 6, 7, 8 | Time: 1:00–2:30 PM ET
This updated course addresses the evolving landscape of educational technology, with particular emphasis on executive functioning support, effective and ethical AI use for learning, and tools for diverse learners. It’s designed for educators, therapists, parents, and advocates supporting high school and college students.
Inner Circle members receive a $100 discount.
I WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TECH FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS!
Get Organized and Efficient with Free Google Apps: Updated for 2026!
Dates: February 3, 10, 17 | Time: Wednesdays, 1:00–2:30 PM ET
Perfect for those who need to use Google tools but need help getting started using free apps such as Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Keep, Google Tasks, and Gmail. This is a beginner-level course. Learn practical strategies for organization and collaboration.
Registration opens in January. Inner Circle members receive a $100 discount.
Let’s Connect
Technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. After nearly 40 years in this field, I’ve seen how the right tools and strategies can transform challenges into possibilities.
I offer complimentary 15-minute consultations for anyone wondering how technology might help in their specific situation. No pressure, just possibilities.
Reply to this email, and I’ll send you scheduling options.
If you’re interested in collaboration, speaking engagements, or exploring how technology can support someone in your life, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a confident start to 2026.
Warmly,
Joan
Speech-Language Pathologist & Assistive Technology Specialist
Founder, Innovative Speech Therapy
P.S. Remember, the Tech Life Inner Circle holiday bonus—a complimentary 30-minute private consultation—is available only through January 31st. Join here to start 2026 with personalized tech support.