Environmental Controls

Follow ARRM on Facebook? If so, you may have caught some of our ‘12 Days of Technology’ post series. Each day, December 13–December 24, we featured a new piece of technology that is helping individuals with disabilities live more independently. In case you missed any of the tech, here is the roundup—the Technology Resource Center’s 12 Days of Technology 2019.

Assistive technology devices can either be created at home, purchased and used off the shelf, modified, and/or customized to meet individual goals and needs. From low-tech options such as toy or game modification to high-tech devices that include voice recognition or elopement monitors, assistive technology is empowering those with disabilities to live, work, and play in the most independent way possible.

TRC mentors are individuals who have gone through the technology implementation process and wish to help others on their tech solution journeys. Provider mentors are champions for technology use within their organizations and have first-hand experience in finding, funding, and facilitating technology solutions which not only provide increased independence for individuals, but also assist in extending support staff reach as well.

The most important step in creating a support for someone you care for is properly identifying the need to be cared for. There are many reasons why this step is important in the grand scheme of helping someone live life to the fullest, but it’s even more important when dealing with technological supports. 

The ability to control one’s environment by voice is a perk for some people, but a life changing opportunity for many with disabilities. Just ask Val, whose use of Echo devices and assistive technology sparked further discussions and adoption at The Phoenix Residence, Inc. She’ll gladly tell you about her current technology and how it helps her feel more “like an adult”.