Recently, KenCrest made a big step forward in our mission to provide assistive technology to individuals we serve with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The Enabling Technology team met with representatives from the state of Delaware to discuss possibly offering assistive technology services to residents with an intellectual or developmental delay waiver.
Assistive technology (AT) refers to products, equipment, and systems that assist people with disabilities in learning, working, and daily living. This can include a wide range of devices such as emergency response systems, prompting technologies, video doorbells, bidets, home and environmental automation and various sensors to improve an individuals' independence.
For example, one individual KenCrest supports wanted to live independently, but as a wheelchair user, she found it challenging to cook for herself, do laundry, vacuum her floors or even turn off her lights. KenCrest’s Enabling Technology department stepped in and introduced her to various technologies that helped her overcome those problems, like using a Roomba to help her vacuum or downloading an app to help her turn her lights off and on. The assistive technology she was given helped her overcome the challenges she faced and gave her the chance to live independently.
AT helps individuals do things that might be hard or impossible otherwise, improving their quality of life and promoting greater independence. It allows people with disabilities to participate more fully in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and social activities.
Currently, KenCrest’s Enabling Technology department gives support to individuals with an IDD in Pennsylvania. But when the opportunity came about to expand that reach into Delaware, the team jumped at the chance. But when the ET team was discussing the possibility of supporting those in Delaware, a challenge popped up. It became apparent that many of Delaware’s staff and case management vendors were not aware of assistive technology, of what it could do to change lives.
So Karen Latimer, KenCrest’s Enabling Technology Director, took the lead to create a comprehensive training proposal to teach key employees and stakeholders from the Delaware Department of Disability Services (DDDS). The training aligns with the waiver rules in Delaware, teaching each person about Assistive Technology, including its applications, uses, benefits, and how to implement it. KenCrest is hosting four sessions, two in January and two in February, to select individuals to participate.
This partnership with the DDDS, marks a significant step forward in KenCrest’s effort to empower individuals with disabilities. Not only will more staff members, stakeholders, and employees become knowledgeable about its uses, but it will help so many individuals gain access to life-changing technology. People with disabilities living in Delaware can gain access to resources like speech-generating devices, automated medication dispensers, induction cooktops, and so much more.
We look forward to a successful collaboration with the state of Delaware and the positive impact it will have on the lives of many. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advance our mission and deliver exceptional assistive technology services.