Tech House Showcases Devices For Independent Living
BOARDMAN, Ohio – From devices that lock and unlock doors to radios that connect the blind with local news, advances in technology have made life easier, especially for people with disabilities.
Created by the Mahoning County Council for Developmental Disabilities, this technology house shows how technology can help those who want to live more independently.
Administrators provide MCBDD research technology and provide services designed to improve the lives of veterans, children with disabilities, seniors, and people with disabilities. Then they combine the best ingredients available at the tech house.
“We started Tech House because we realized that people wanted to be more independent and keep themselves safe, so we focused on them to see what was available,” said Ashley Karoki, one of MCBDD's four service and support administrators. At home. . “You don't know what you don't know, so until you see or hear it, how do you know it's something that can benefit you.”
George Gabriel, MCBDD Administrative Services and Support Supervisor, said he now has more than 200 items at home, compared to about 25 items in his office.
“A few years ago, Ohio was one of the most technologically advanced states in the country,” Gabriel said. “The idea is to start getting a feel for using technology, increasing independence and reducing dependence on workers. »
The more we researched and received grants, the more Gabrielle and the Services and Support Administrators were able to add and showcase components in the home.
Most homes are controlled by Alexa, turning on the microwave and turning lights on and off without pressing a button for a certain period of time. And also open and close the curtains.
An automatic tap in the cup and a filling indicator allow the blind to know when the cup is full.
My favorite Carocci technology is the PenFriend, a device that lets you program stickers and magnets to convey audible directions or preferences. For example, a magnet in a can can be programmed to know the temperature and cooking time of the food inside when someone touches the pen. A closet full of hangers can be programmed with stickers to tell blind people the color of the clothes.
Pen pals can be used to send messages to someone who cannot read or to employees who need to hear various instructions. It can be used and reprogrammed multiple times.
Janine Baker, services and supports administrator, pointed to a room filled with blankets, vests and other sensory items designed to calm nervous people.
Doors can be coded for those who cannot use a key. A bedside rug can alert the caregiver when someone is standing. A monitor placed in the toilet can count the number of trips a person makes to the toilet during the night. The device can read currency, helping a person distinguish banknotes from their wallet. There are a variety of home healthcare providers available, ranging from simple devices to high-tech devices.
At the touch of a button, contact can be made remotely in emergency or even non-emergency situations.
“We tried to imagine someone going home alone, even at night. What can they use? Gabriel Dr.
The program is funded by two grants from the Ohio Department of Skills Development, one for $20,000 and the second for approximately $17,000, as well as funding from the Educational Services Center and grants from organizations or companies that want their articles featured. Start the program. Some items can be obtained from funding sources and others can be ordered yourself.
Several other areas, agencies, physical therapists, and parties who support people with disabilities had the opportunity to visit the house. Mahoning County Commissioners are expected to visit the home later this month.
Anyone can make an appointment to visit the home by contacting Gabriel at 330 718 4815 or ggabriel@mahoningcountyoh.gov. More information about the technology house can be found here.
Pictured above: Mahoning County Developmental Disabilities Services and Supports Administrator George Gabriel, right, and Janine Baker, Services and Supports Administrator, visit the Boardman Tech House on Friday.
Copyright 2023 Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
