What happens when innovation starts with a simple question: How can I help someone do something they love again?In Episode 23 of Assistive Tech Today, Vinny sits down with Lianna Genovese, founder and CEO of ImaginAble Solutions and inventor of Guided Hands®, along with assistive technology specialist and educator Laura Cantagallo.Lianna shares the remarkable story behind Guided Hands—a device that began as a school project designed to help a friend with cerebral palsy paint again. What started with prototypes built on a basement ping-pong table has grown into an internationally recognized assistive technology solution used by children and adults around the world.But this conversation is about much more than one device.Vinny, Lianna, and Laura explore the importance of including people with disabilities in the design process, listening to caregivers and clinicians, and recognizing that no two individuals have the same needs. They discuss how assistive technology can support communication, creativity, education, therapy, independence, and participation.The conversation also highlights the power of therapy through play and how the right technology can help remove barriers in the classroom. From painting and writing to using an iPad, crossing the midline, playing games, and participating alongside peers, Guided Hands is helping people use the movement they have to engage more fully with the world around them.Lianna and Laura also discuss accessibility within Apple technology, the importance of low-tech solutions alongside high-tech innovations, assistive technology conferences, and the role teachers, therapists, caregivers, and families play in discovering new possibilities.Perhaps most importantly, this episode is a reminder that the best assistive technology isn't just about the product—it is about the person using it.It's about dignity.It's about inclusion.It's about self-expression.And as Lianna says, self-expression is a human right.Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, unexpected career paths, disability inclusion, and how one idea can grow into something that changes lives around the world.Links to share:https://www.imaginablesolutions.com https://www.imaginablesolutions.com/pages/ot-guidehttps://www.imaginablesolutions.com/blogs/guided-hands https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianna-genovese Laura Cantagallo: My company website: I provide assistance with accessibility work and auditing websites for accessibility as well as professional development. https://lceducationconsulting.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-cantagallo • Follow Vinny Livoti on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/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 #adaptivetechnology #accessibility #inclusión #occupationaltherapy #specialneeds
