Interviews

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.

Propelling a Technology Movement

Having started a remote support company nearly 14 years ago, Dustin Wright, founder of Disability Cocoon, is no stranger to the disability services landscape. His new venture, Disability Cocoon—a disability technology catalyst organization, is bringing the disability community together through events like technology festivals (or conferences).

Meet the Mentors

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.