After six months of living on her own, JoAnn Garrity is pleased with her independence. Although she was hesitant at first about moving to a place of her own, and concerned that she might be bored, JoAnn has grown to love her alone time, especially her mornings: “I love to have my tea in the morning by myself.”

JoAnn is just one of many individuals in Pennsylvania who is moving out of residential services to supported living in the community. At the PAR Solutions Conference this month, she shared her story alongside Jason Ray from SimplyHome and staff from Keystone Human Services, a leading service provider in Pennsylvania.

SimplyHome President Jason Ray provided a technology provider perspective, while Greg Wellems (Executive Director at Keystone) and Nathan Gerhard (Director of ID Services at Keystone) provided insight on what it takes to be Technology First as a service provider. But it was JoAnn’s perspective that stood out. During the person-centered assessment process, staff realized JoAnn might need additional support during inclement weather, since she is afraid of storms. But JoAnn has surprised herself and her staff: “I’ve gotten through a few of those storms by myself.”

In their presentation, Keystone staff described the process and results of adding technology supports.

Results include:

• Individuals are able to move from Residential Services to Supported Living

• System and monitoring costs vary, but return on investment (ROI) in technology is reached in 5-8 weeks

• Overall support staff has decreased

• Individuals report greater feeling of accomplishment and independence

• Increased self-advocacy

Together, the group discussed specific steps to prepare for the integration of technology, and highlighted barriers that they overcame during the process. Most importantly, attendees heard firsthand from JoAnn how the use of technology has changed her life, allowing her to savor independence.

Learn more about becoming a Technology First organization.