I was first introduced to computers in the late 1960s, when programming meant punch cards and machines that filled entire rooms. Learning FORTRAN IV and PL/1 taught me not just coding but a structured way to think and solve problems. After earning my master’s in special education, I saw how technology could transform learning.

When my son David was born with Down Syndrome in 1981, I drew on that background and the growing movement for Early Intervention. His speech blossomed through a multi-sensory approach to reading, thanks to a remarkable therapist who helped him connect letters, sounds, and language in new ways.

In 1989, I co-founded the Special Awareness Computer Center, part of the Alliance for Technology Access, which linked communities with resources from Apple, IBM, and others. From there, my career in assistive technology expanded, and I worked with companies like IntelliTools, Kurzweil, and Cambium Learning, training educators worldwide on inclusive tools for literacy and learning.

These experiences eventually led me to realize that ChatGPT is a tool that, like those early innovations, supports creativity, problem-solving, and differentiated instruction. Its flexibility makes it ideal for families, teachers, and learners of all abilities.

In my next blog, I’ll share how ChatGPT inspired my book Family Adventures from A to Z Using ChatGPT, and how it can spark meaningful learning for all ages.