Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days: writing emails, answering questions, planning trips, and even recommending dinner recipes. But for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), AI isn’t just a trendy tool. It’s a new kind of empowerment.

For too long, people with differing abilities have been left out of the conversation when it comes to technology. They’ve been underestimated—and too often excluded—from learning how to use the tools that shape our modern world.

That needs to change.

At John’s Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising, we’ve seen firsthand how AI can support independence, build confidence, and unlock new opportunities for people with IDD. This isn’t hypothetical. It’s personal.

John’s Story: AI in Action

Let me tell you about my son, John.

John has Down syndrome. He’s also the co-founder of our business, a TEDx speaker, a Special Olympics athlete, a podcast host, and a man with a packed calendar.

John uses AI tools every single day—not as a replacement for his thinking, but as an assistant that helps him do more, express himself more clearly, and stay organized.

Here’s how John uses AI in real life:

• Planning his day: John has a full calendar—videos to film, orders to pull, meetings to lead, and more. He takes what’s on his schedule and to-do list and feeds it into ChatGPT, which helps him map out his day in a way that’s structured and motivating.
• Doing research: When we travel, John likes to explore new places. He used to rely on Google, which often gave him overwhelming lists of websites. Now, he uses Perplexity AI, which organizes the information and gives him clear, helpful answers.
• Writing emails: John sends emails daily—to colleagues, coaches, and friends. He drafts what he wants to say, then asks ChatGPT to polish the grammar.
• Learning new terms: When John hears a word or phrase he doesn’t understand, he turns to ChatGPT to explain it simply.
• Troubleshooting tech: If John runs into a problem with his phone or tablet, he uses Perplexity to walk him through the fix, step by step.

These tools fit the motto that John lives by:
“With us, not for us.”

AI Isn’t a Threat. It’s a Tool.

There’s real concern that AI will take away jobs—especially routine jobs that many people with IDD have traditionally held. That’s a valid fear.

But the solution isn’t to avoid technology. It’s to make sure the technology includes everyone.

Let’s use AI to support people with differing abilities by helping them:

• Communicate more clearly (editing emails, explaining ideas)
• Stay organized (generating to-do lists, daily routines, packing lists)
• Practice and learn (job interview questions, schoolwork help, reading explanations)
• Live healthier lives (customized workouts, grocery lists, meal planning)

As Madison Essig from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) puts it:

“I use AI to help me stay organized at work. It helps me write important emails in a professional tone and creates a packing list for my work bag so I don’t forget anything important!”

Teaching Others to Use AI

What’s worked for John, we’re now sharing with others.

Through Abilities Rising, we help self-advocates, families, and employers explore how AI can make everyday life more accessible. That might include:

• Voice-to-text tools for those who struggle with typing
• AI-generated visuals to help explain concepts
• Customizing workplace instructions into plain language

We also partner with inclusive employers to explore how AI can:

• Clarify job instructions
• Offer visual or simplified learning materials
• Break down complex tasks into steps
• Support problem-solving and independent thinking

This work is about opening doors, not closing them.

A Word of Caution (and Common Sense)

AI is powerful—but it’s not perfect. It can make mistakes. Sometimes it gives wrong or biased answers. That’s why we always remind people: double-check your results, ask a trusted person if something doesn’t feel right, and never share personal information on an AI platform.

The answer to those risks isn’t fear. It’s education, support, and inclusion.

Just like we teach safe internet use or workplace behavior, we can teach AI skills—with clarity, care, and joy.

Let’s Build an Inclusive Future

People with IDD deserve access to the same tools and opportunities as everyone else. They deserve to use AI not just as consumers—but as creators, learners, workers, and leaders.

AI can help make that possible. But only if we stop assuming it’s “too complicated” or “not for them.”

John is living proof that people with differing abilities can thrive when given the right tools and support. He’s not just using AI. He’s building a business, traveling the country, and helping others do the same.

As John says,
“I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome never holds me back.”
Let’s make sure technology doesn’t either.

Want to Learn More?

• ✅ Book John and Mark for a talk on inclusive technology and the future of work
• 🚀 Learn how Abilities Rising is supporting disability-led entrepreneurship

📧 Contact: booking@johnandmarkcronin.com
🌐 Visit: johnandmarkcronin.com