Not Just Gadgets: Real Learning with Assistive Tech & AI

There are so many tools out there—and for many parents, educators, and neurodivergent adults, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. New apps, new devices, new AI tools… it’s a lot.In today’s episode, we slow it down and make assistive technology feel practical, accessible, and kinda human.I’m joined by Joan L. Green, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Assistive Technology Specialist, and founder of Innovative Speech Therapy and Tech Life Inner Circle. Together, we unpack what assistive technology really means in today’s world—especially as everyday tools like smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, and AI become powerful supports for learning, organization, and emotional regulation.We talk about:What “assistive technology” actually means (and why it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated)How everyday devices can support executive functioning, learning challenges and disabilitiesWhere families and schools often get stuck with assistive tech and AI—and how to move past resistanceHow AI can support learning without replacing thinkingSimple first steps for families and educators who feel overwhelmedIf you’ve ever thought, “There are so many tools… I don’t even know where to start,” this episode is for you.👉 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe, and check out the links in the show notes for tools and resources mentioned in this episode.See resources we mentioned here:🤖 AI-Powered Tools & WorkflowsWispr Flow – AI workflow & productivity supporthttps://wisprflow.ai/Genio – Writing, summarizing, brainstorming assistanthttps://genio.co/Rocket – Fast creation of docs, meetings, and workflowshttps://www.rocket.new/Google NotebookLM – AI research & synthesis toolhttps://notebooklm.google/Goblin Tools – Writing, breaking down tasks, summarizinghttps://goblin.tools/Bookshare – Accessible ebooks for print disabilitieshttps://www.bookshare.org/Learning Ally – Audiobook and reading support for studentshttps://learningally.org/✍️ Writing, Note-Taking & Research📘 Accessibility & Learning SupportsSpeechify – Text-to-speech readerhttps://speechify.com🌐 Website: https://innovativespeech.com/💡 Tech Life Inner Circle Membership: https://learn.innovativespeech.com/inner-circle🎓 Tech for College Success Course: https://learn.innovativespeech.com/tech-for-college-success-2026📚 Get Going with Google Course: https://learn.innovativespeech.com/get-going-with-google🚀 Tech Possibility Academy: https://learn.innovativespeech.com/tech-possibility-academy