Ep. 25 Human First AI: Why AI Should Think With Us, Not For Us | Derek Crager 9-3-26

AI is changing the way we work, learn, communicate, and solve problems—but what happens when we put people first? In Episode 25 of the Assistive Tech Today Podcast, Vinny sits down with Derek Crager, founder of Practical AI, for a fascinating conversation about making AI practical, human-centered, and accessible. Derek shares the story behind his Human First AI philosophy and explains why he believes AI should think with the human, not for the human. We talk about how AI can amplify what people already do well rather than simply replace them, and why education and understanding are so important as this technology continues to evolve. Derek also introduces Pocket Mentor, a voice-based AI designed to give people access to knowledge, training, and troubleshooting help when they need it—without requiring an app or complicated technology. And this conversation gets especially interesting when we connect AI to assistive technology, education, therapists, neurodiversity, and personalized learning. Could AI help students learn in a way that works for them? Could it give therapists more time to focus on the people they serve? Could it help preserve decades of knowledge when an experienced worker retires? And could AI become another tool for helping people become more independent? These are just some of the questions Vinny and Derek explore in this episode. This isn't a conversation about AI replacing humanity. It's about asking a different question: What if AI could help us become more capable while keeping humans in control? 🎙️ Guest: Derek Crager : 💡 Founder: Practical AI : 🤖 Creator: Pocket Mentor : 📚 Author: Human First AI: If you enjoy conversations about assistive technology, AI, accessibility, innovation, education, and the future of technology, make sure to subscribe to the Assistive Tech Today Podcast. 👍 Like the video 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with innovators and people changing the way we think about technology. CONNECT WITH US: • Subscribe to Assistive Tech Today: [   / @assistivetechtodaypodcast  ] • Follow Vinny Livoti on LinkedIn: [  / vincent-livoti-46912767  ] “Welcome to Assistive Tech Today Podcast — where innovation meets inclusion. I’m Vinny Livoti, an assistive technology specialist with over twenty-four years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults with special needs through technology. From product design and development to education, consulting, and hands-on demonstrations, this podcast is dedicated to exploring today’s cutting-edge assistive and adaptive technologies. This is Assistive Tech Today Podcast — empowering lives through technology.” "Please note: Many people in the neurodiverse community prefer identity‑first language and describe themselves as “Autistic,” which is also the language our guest typically uses. At the same time, there are individuals, families and professionals who grew up with or prefer using person‑first language (“person with autism”). We want to acknowledge these differences and honor the full range of perspectives within the community." "The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this program belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of any agency, company, or entity they represent." #AssistiveTechnology, #ArtificialIntelligence, #HumanFirstAI, #PracticalAI, #AI, #Accessibility, #AssistiveTech, #Neurodiversity, #AAC, #Education, #AIinEducation, #FutureOfAI, #Innovation, #PocketMentor, #Podcast