From SLP to Tech Specialist
After spending many years since the mid-1980s as a speech-language pathologist, I’ve pivoted to embrace my passion: helping others discover how technology can accelerate progress and enhance life. It’s incredible how just one or two small changes can dramatically transform a situation. I love seeing that glimmer in someone’s eye—their “aha” moment—after a collaborative brainstorming session when we’ve set them up for success.
Although I’ve never considered myself an AI expert—I’m not into writing code or creating my own devices or apps—when I was asked late last spring to offer a presentation on how AI can improve education for neurodiverse learners and to share my favorite AI tools, I accepted the challenge and sought to become that “go-to” person to help students, parents, therapists, educators, accessibility specialists, senior care providers and lifelong learners figure it out.
AI is everywhere
Now, practically every app and tech tool seems to have AI incorporated into it. AI is constantly in the news. Teachers are grappling with how to teach effectively and ensure students don’t cheat. Parents want to make sure their kids are exposed to tech that helps them overcome disabilities but want to be sure that they continue to learn important skills. Employers are expected to know which tools can help their workers succeed. We are all asking how we can keep students and elders safe in this ever-changing digital world. Will we lose our jobs because of AI?
I am convinced that although we are currently experimenting with it all—and need to be very thoughtful about how we incorporate AI in schools and at work—it will improve the lives of countless people. We need to learn to use it to our advantage while minimizing potential harm. Let’s be at the forefront of figuring it out!
Using AI to Support Accessibility, Inclusion, and Productivity
About a year ago, I offered a webinar called “Using AI as AT”—Using Artificial Intelligence as Assistive Technology. The tools I discussed then are even better now. There are amazing features built into the devices we already use, like text-to-speech and speech-to-text, enhancing accessibility for students and adults with reading and writing disabilities, as well as for people with dexterity, hearing, visual, and cognitive challenges.
There are tools now to help teachers and employers create lesson plans and customized materials to better meet the needs of all types of learners. Is the reading level of required material too difficult? No problem! AI can simplify the text, create bullet points of the main ideas, and even help learners determine if they understand the material.
Do you have trouble staying organized and efficient? You can now turn emails into action items, record meetings and act on automatically generated task lists, or use free tools to help you break down big projects into smaller chunks.
The hard part is figuring out what’s possible and determining which resources are most appropriate for your situation. Then, you need to figure out how to actually implement the tools to support your needs—or the needs of others.
That’s exactly what I love to do!
Want to start taking advantage of all that current tech can do to make your life at home or work easier—or help your kids? Check out the events happening this week.
******************************************
Upcoming Events
The Art of Motivating Students Summit
- Date: October 17-19, 2024
- Hosted by: The Anti-Boring Learning Lab
I’m excited to be speaking at this free virtual summit, packed with over 30 expert educators, coaches, and tutors—all sharing strategies to boost student motivation and engagement. I’ll be presenting on “Glean: An AI-Powered Note-Taking and Study Tool.”
Don’t miss out on this treasure trove of insights! (If you decide to purchase an all-access pass, I do receive a small commission.)
Can you find me in the image above?
***************************************
AI in Education: Removing Obstacles and Realizing Potential
- Date: October 18, 2024
- Event: Diamonds in the Rough Conference by WEG
I’m honored to be a featured speaker alongside Josh Clark, head of Landmark School, at this annual conference dedicated to families and educators of students with special learning needs. I’ll be sharing my favorite AI tech tools that empower all students, especially those with special needs, and their parents, tutors, therapists, coaches and teachers!
👉 Learn more and register here.
***********************************************
The Tech Life Inner Circle Membership
The launch of the Tech Life Inner Circle, a supportive community where we explore how everyday technology can enhance communication, cognition, literacy, and productivity, is off to a great start. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional, there’s something here for you!
We’re currently inviting new members to join our ongoing membership program, with doors open until November 7th. This is a unique opportunity focused on accessibility and helping everyone get more out of their everyday devices to improve life. I’m offering a special price for founding members—don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a community that’s making a real difference! Membership includes live Office Hour Q&As, exclusive Tech Challenges and access to webinar recording library.
👉 Learn more and register here.