When it comes to describing Marcus Tyler, a few adjectives just aren’t enough for his colleagues. It’s rare for anyone working two full-time jobs to be characterized as “tireless,” but Marcus’s supervisors write that he demonstrates “tireless advocacy…his loyalty and commitment to ensuring the people he serves get the highest quality of support never waiver.” Marcus has been working as a Direct Support Professional for over 20 years.
Read MoreSimplyHome President Jason Ray provided a technology provider perspective, while Greg Wellems and Nathan Gerhard (of Keystone) provided insight from the service provider. Jo-Ann Garrity, Advocate, gave her perspective as well, as the individual receiving technology supports as part of residential services.
Read MoreWhen you meet Brian for the first time – and he has probably never met a stranger he couldn’t befriend – the first thing that strikes you is how much joy is radiating off a single human being. Clad in a bright American flag t-shirt, blue jeans, sneakers, and giving a very enthusiastic salute combined with a thumb’s up, Brian’s grin and laughter seem to leap off his face and onto the faces of everyone around him.
Read MoreMeet David and Tony. They’ve been friends for a long time. Most recently, they had staff supports with them 24/7, but before that, they were able to live more independently with family members. The technology has enabled them to return to greater independence.
Read MoreOf all the milestones in a young adult’s life, moving out may be the most exciting one. Whether moving out means living with a roommate or by themselves, most young adults are anxious to have a place of their own. Parents of young adults with I/DD often have big questions about this milestone: Will their adult children be safe? Will they take their medications? Will they need a roommate? Will they be able to handle independence? This is where enabling technology (ET) comes in to address these understandable concerns.
Read MoreRecently we got to take a field trip to see David Maennle and his mother Becky give a talk to a room full of educators at Western Carolina (Biltmore Park Campus). They talked about David's plan for his life and the SimplyHome technology that has enabled David to become more independent. They also shared big news: they have a plan to build the log cabin David envisions!
Read MoreIndependence and growth are very important to Dakota. That’s why, after a recent reassessment of Dakota’s goals and concerns, the SimplyHome team is onsite to install new technology at his mountainside home in Western North Carolina. Dakota first started using SimplyHome technology in his home back in 2015.
Read MoreThis week the SimplyHome staff got to visit with two individuals we first met back in 2015! Laura and Vicki, who are best friends and roommates, were part of the transition home program at the Charles Lea Center in South Carolina. With the support of enabling technology and staff supports, they now live in an apartment of their own.
Read MoreWhen Colleen moved into a place of her own for the very first time, she was more prepared than many young adults who reach this milestone. From carefully saving her receipts and recording what she spends in her personal ledger to mastering the use of public transportation, Colleen has been working on multiple skill sets to prepare her for this day.
Read MoreWith the support of enabling technology, Brad has reached his goal of living on his own, while his parents were able to address their concerns about safety. The video features Brad’s story as well as Tennessee DIDD’s Enabling Technology pilot program.
Read MoreTennessee resident Gerald seems pretty delighted with his new living situation. He cheerfully describes it in a new video from Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Read MoreFor many seniors, uprooting from home and transplanting to a new setting is their worst nightmare. For this 94-year-old nature lover and master gardener, it simply was never an option.
Read MoreOne month in, Carl is loving life on his own. His transition to his own home has worked out so well that Core Services now has a long list of people they support who could benefit from enabling technology. SimplyHome is honored to partner with Core Services and we look forward to partnering in more amazing outcomes for the people they support.
Read MoreThe Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (TN DIDD) recently released a video that is a moving portrait of how enabling technology helped Carl (who receives services via one of our partners, Core Services of Northeast Tennessee) finally achieve his dream of living on his own.
Read MoreDavid Maennle, whom we have previously featured on the SimplyHome blog, continues to distinguish himself as an outstanding young man working towards his goals. David has Down syndrome and uses SimplyHome technology to live in his own apartment in the community.
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