Below is a copy of an email I sent on 2/1/26 to everyone who subscribes to my list.

Greetings! 

I hope you are doing ok. So many of us are dealing with really difficult weather, on top of other sources of political angst. Hang in there!

Please read on to learn about upcoming opportunities and meet an inventor who’s been developing customized solutions to help people with disabilities for 43 years!

What I’ve been up to

I’ve been spending more time than usual indoors, immersing myself in emerging tech and AI.

This past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I participated virtually in the ATIA Annual Conference—and it was wonderful! The primary objective of the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Annual Conference is to bring together the global assistive technology community to connect, learn, and collaborate. It focuses on advancing knowledge, innovation, and effective use of assistive technology to improve access, learning, work, and daily life for people with disabilities. Right up my alley!

Quite a few recorded presentations are available to professionals and families in this FREE bundle.

Many of the recordings haven’t been posted yet, so if you are interested, I’d check back after they’ve had time to upload the sessions.

Another amazing conference I attended virtually was Unleash AI for Business Academy. Entrepreneurs from many different fields shared how they’re using AI in their businesses. It’s honestly wild how much is possible—I’m doing my best to wrap my head around it all!

I’ve taken plenty of notes, and I’ll be digging deeper into the concepts and tools I’ve learned. I’ll also be sharing helpful strategies and resources as I work with individuals, create courses, and present Tech Talks inside the Tech Life Inner Circle membership, which is open to everyone.

Curious about getting started with AI?

I’m collaborating with the Spirit Initiative of the OU Enrichment Center to offer 4-session course starting this Wednesday!

Getting Started with AI: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help in Everyday Life

4 Wednesdays starting February 4
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

I am not handling registration or logistics; I created the content and will be leading the sessions. Everyone is welcome!

 To learn more, click here to visit the Ou.org website

Heard the buzz about AI but not sure how it fits into your life? This beginner-friendly course is designed especially for lifelong learners who are curious about the possibilities of AI but don’t know where to begin. We’ll explore free, easy-to-use generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, and show how they can simplify daily tasks, spark creativity, and support connection. Whether you want help writing a message, summarizing an article, brainstorming gift ideas, planning a trip, or simply having fun, this course offers a welcoming and judgment-free space to learn at your own pace.

The cost is $100.00 for all four sessions.

👉🏻 Take me to the OU site to sign up!

🎁 Free Webinar Recording: 5 Top Tech Picks for 2025

Thanks for your positive feedback about this webinar. Missed it? No worries! Just click the blue button below to receive the slides, then click the link to watch the Zoom recording.

While watching the recording, you’ll discover:

• 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 my upcoming courses and the Inner Circle membership

👉🏻  I’m so glad this is still available! I’d like to watch it!

Thinking about Tech Life Inner Circle?

Good news! I’ve made the private 1:1 session with me a permanent part of this membership—along with all the regular Inner Circle benefits.

We’re currently a small, supportive community of about 20 members: parents supporting neurodiverse kids, people helping aging parents, professionals who guide others with technology, and individuals who simply want to feel more confident using technology themselves.

Together, we focus on practical, real-life ways to use everyday and emerging tech (including AI) to improve productivity, learning, access, and engagement.

Membership includes:

• Weekly Tech Talks

• 45 minutes of live tech support and discussion

• Full access to our growing library of recordings

 👉🏻  Click here to see a Google Doc with past recording and upcoming Tech Talk topics.

Join us for $147 for three months—less than $2 a day.

I rotate days and times to accommodate different time zones and schedules.

 👉🏻 This tech learning and support membership is just what I need!

Get Going with Google in 2026

March 3, 10 & 17 | 1:00-2:30 PM ET
Master Google tools to get organized and productive

This hands-on virtual Google beginner course helps you make sense of the Google tools many schools and workplaces rely on every day. Learn how to manage your schedule, keep track of tasks, organize notes, and avoid common frustrations like lost files and missed emails.

The focus is on simple strategies, real-life examples, and creating strategies and systems to match your lifestyle and needs.

One private strategy session with me is included:)

👉🏻  I want to learn more about this Google Course!

Tech for College Success – 2026 Edition

March 5, 12 &29 | 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, and tools for diverse learners. Designed for educators, therapists, parents, and advocates supporting high school and college students.

Participants will learn how to:

• Match tools and features to a student’s specific learning and executive functioning needs

• Use everyday tech and AI to support organization, reading, writing, note-taking, and studying

• Build simple systems that reduce stress and promote independence (not more tech chaos)

The course also emphasizes helping students learn how to use AI thoughtfully—as a tool to support deeper understanding, planning, and reflection—rather than as a shortcut that can unintentionally undermine learning.

👉🏻 This college tech course sounds great!

Meet RJ Cooper

RJ is an inventor, technologist, and student of human behavior who has been helping people with a wide variety of disabilities around the world for 43 years. He creates customized solutions to address mobility, communication, and quality-of-life challenges for children and adults with special needs.

RJ reached out and asked if I would share his website so you’d be aware of his services. He’s also happy to listen to and respond to personal requests.

One of his most popular inventions is the BIG Bluetooth Keyboard. It offers both Bluetooth and USB connections and includes a stable stand that helps position the keyboard to promote upright posture and forward eye gaze. Its large keys and unique color-coded rows help early keyboarders achieve independence and success.

Explore RJ’s inventions: https://store.rjcooper.com

Contact RJ directly: rj@rjcooper.com

He truly enjoys creating solutions that improve lives.

Questions? Email me at Joan@innovativespeech.com.

I’d love to hear how you’re doing or explore ways we might work together.

Take care,
Joan