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Another Piece of the Puzzle

Many people think nothing of going out in the community to run errands or engage in interests. For individuals with both seen and unseen disabilities or conditions (as well as their family members or caregivers), real worry or anxiety may exist preventing independent outings. Learn how Hammer implemented a small piece of technology to provide greater independence for individuals in their apartment program.

At the intersection of independence and safety

At the Intersection of Independence & Safety

Hammer Residences, who is no stranger to sourcing and implementing technology solutions, has recently rolled-out a community-based/service application to provide an enhancement of natural supports while someone is out in the community. Check out the 3 minute video to learn more and be sure to keep a look out for the full roll-out story in an upcoming TRC Newsletter!

Using Technology to Connect with Customers

Technology On The Job

Dylan Dreifke provides outstanding customer service at The Home Depot by utilizing his iPad, a free Home Depot app, and his amazing memory (prior to being hired, he memorized all product and product category locations throughout the entire store!).

Setting her own pace

Putting a Plan Together for Independent Living

Though experiencing health issues that would ultimately require her to need more intensive care, including possible round-the-clock assistance, Angie wanted to maintain her independence and continue to live on her own without being reliant on a staff person constantly in her home.

The Business of Independence

A New Way of Doing Business

As people served were expressing a stronger desire to be more independent, Dungarvin staff thought through scenarios on how to navigate both the independence desire and how they would provide services in the future. Technology was their answer.

Regaining Confidence Through Remote Support

A 159 hour per week drop in caregiver hours seems dramatic. That’s because it is—but in a good way. Ryan Sebelius was able to achieve greater independence while decreasing his need for in-person support through the use of remote support technology. Though not “traditionally” supported 24 hours a day as he was before the addition of technology, he is certainly not without support during the times a caregiver isn’t physically present in his home.

Advocating for Technology Supports

Recently, we were able to sit down for an interview with Lauren Ireland to discuss technology and how it plays a role in her daily life. Lauren lives in Minneapolis, MN and her home is licensed for supportive community-based services. At 30 years old,  Lauren has had access to and has used technology all her life, though it wasn’t until she moved into her current home nearly 10 years ago that she became aware of remote monitoring technology and the benefits it provided her and other individuals with disabilities.

“It’s Been Good for Me”

According to Angie’s sister, Kathy, “Angie just didn’t want to live with anybody. She wanted to make her own choices.” To maintain Angie’s desired level of independence, she and her team formulated a care and response plan supported by CCRI’s Independent by Design program to utilize technology supports that help maximize Angie’s independence and privacy which was featured in a 2017 TRC Case Study. A follow-up interview with Angie regarding her use of technology has recently been published by Impact and re-posted on the TRC blog.

Connecting Through Technology

Not everyone communicates the same way. For some individuals, expressing thoughts, feelings, and emotions is made more challenging by certain disabilities. For non-verbal individuals, assistive technology supports offer additional ways to make connections, be heard, and join in. This is especially true for Dan.

Rethinking Accessibility

The thinking is changing around what “accessible” can mean and the role technology can play. Individuals, their families, providers, and case managers are all looking to technology supports to assist individuals (and the staff that help support them) reach their full potential.

 

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