UPCOMING EVENTS

Tech First Talks

Breaking Barriers: How AI and Innovation Are Redefining Independence in Assistive Technology, featuring Dylan Makani, Co-Founder, Ner Chat

January 28, 2025

1:00PM-2:30PM ET/ 12:00PM-1:30PM CT

Empowering Autonomy in Experience Sharing: Private Social Networking Featuring: Veronica St. Cyr, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Navigating Life

February 25, 2025

1:00PM-2:30PM ET/ 12:00PM-1:30PM CT

Assistive technology has come a long way, but current solutions, especially in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), often fall short in meeting the diverse and critical needs of users. With an abundance of one-off point solutions, these gaps leave many unable to fully express themselves or access the independence they deserve. Innovations like Ner Chat are challenging this status quo. By combining AI with features like Leaf symbol integration and videoconferencing for telehealth and teletherapy, new innovations are reaching users who have historically been overlooked -picking up those falling through the cracks.

This talk will explore how AI is transforming assistive technology, from enabling users to express urgent needs with greater clarity to creating hyper-personalized tools that adapt to the individual. We’ll also look ahead to the exciting possibilities of AI-driven solutions that promise to redefine independence and autonomy for millions. Together, we’ll uncover how the next wave of innovation is not just advancing technology, but empowering lives.

Navigating Life is a compliant private social networking and mobile data collection app, designed to support community-based and independent living for the people in the long-term support services community. This platform merges private social networking with instant messaging to enhance transparency and empower users by allowing them to choose when to share their experiences with their private networks. Focusing on user-friendly design, Navigating Life allows for photo-based updates, meant to be used by people supported, their families, their peers and their caregivers. This presentation will explore successful initial implementations in Massachusetts, discussing the platform's potential for increasing transparency and communication, while providing autonomy.