CJay Smith (she/ they) is an Assistive Technology and Communications Specialist and a leading advocate for neuroaffirming, accessible practice across education, community, and family settings. As a partially sighted dyslexic AuDHDer, CJay brings lived experience alongside professional expertise, grounding their work in respect, autonomy, and real-world impact rather than deficit-based models.

CJay graduated with a BSc (Honours) in Information Systems and Information Technology (Level 8) from Technological University Dublin, having previously completed a BSc Level 7 in the same field. Their academic background spans information systems, software engineering, information security, machine learning for data analytics, networking, and interface design. In parallel, CJay holds QQI Level 5 qualifications in Network Technologies and Community Care, reflecting a rare blend of technical depth and people-centred practice.

In september 2024, CJay was appointed Assistive Technology & Communications Specialist at Neurodiversity Ireland, where they lead and deliver AT and AAC support for neurodivergent children, families, and schools. Their work includes AAC device setup and customisation, staff and parent training, school consultations, and ongoing support that is child-centred, neuroaffirming, and evidence-informed. CJay is particularly known for their work with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including TD Snap, and for supporting communication autonomy across home, school, and community environments.

Prior to this role, CJay worked for several years as an Additional Needs Assistant (ANA) and Assistive Technology Assistant in both mainstream and specialist school settings. Across these roles, they developed and implemented assistive technology supports tailored to individual communication styles, sensory needs, and interests. Their approach consistently centres the person, recognising that meaningful access comes from adapting environments and tools rather than attempting to change the individual.

CJay has also contributed to the field through mentoring and public engagement. They were a Technology Mentor on Appventure, an assistive technology pilot project based in TU Dublin, and have presented at national conferences including the Universal Design in Higher Education. Their work and leadership have been recognised through multiple awards, including the Eir Disability Champion award.

Feedback from educators, academics, and families consistently highlights CJay’s ability to combine strong technical skill with empathy, clarity, and practical guidance. Teachers describe their AAC training as transformative, enabling staff to confidently support non-speaking and minimally speaking students in both classroom and one-to-one contexts. Parents speak to the trust they place in CJay, noting the positive impact of personalised, strengths-based support on their child’s communication and wellbeing. Academic colleagues have commended CJay’s professionalism, collaboration, and confident delivery of complex material to diverse audiences.

Outside of formal roles, CJay has long been involved in volunteering and community work, particularly supporting LGBT+ and neurodivergent communities. Their interests include music, sport, Lego, and video games, all of which inform their belief that connection, joy, and play are essential parts of learning and communication at every age.

At the heart of CJay’s work is a clear commitment: to ensure that assistive technology is not treated as a last resort or a clinical add-on, but as a powerful, everyday tool for self-expression, participation, and dignity.