What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology is a group of tools that increase communication, learning, and independence for people with developmental disabilities. Assistive Technology products are used daily by people who have difficulty speaking, writing, seeing, hearing, and learning so they can perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
There are both low-tech (flip books, grabbers, adapted pens) and high-tech (tablets, computer software, mobility devices) options. As the field continues to develop, options have become more portable, more affordable, and more user-friendly.
Remote Supports
Some people with developmental disabilities may find obstacles in daily tasks and activities. Remote Support devices allow a person to engage in two-way communication or receive step-by step assistance to overcome these barriers and live the more independent lives they want while also experiencing more personal freedom.
Remote Support allows a specially trained off-site direct service provider to monitor (only as outlined in a specifically designed plan) and respond to a person’s health, safety, and other needs using live communication.
Smart Home
The Smart Home is a mock “home” set up to demonstrate the wide variety of technologies available to help a person be more independent within their home. In addition to the Remote Monitoring System, many other technologies are featured in the Smart Home, including smart kitchen devices, Alexa, remote-controlled doors, and much more.
Check out this video walkthrough:
Contact
Connie Jack, Assistive Technology Specialist
330-725-7751 ext. 243
connieh@mcbdd.org