Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont Open House Photos

The Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont Open House was a great success. About 60 people attended. Local state representatives Claire Levy and Deb Gardner were there, along with benefactors Bob Charles III and Dale Charles. Thanks to Imagine! Foundation board members Leona Stoecker, Julie Vlier, and new board member Chris Leh for attending and bringing guests. And many thanks to the 16 staff members who made this event possible and also attended!

Sarah and Pramilla helped greet guests.

Loren played DJ for the event, using his computer to select songs.

New Foundation board member Chris Leh and Colorado State Representative Claire Levy.

Anthony showed off his computer skills to the guests.

Wes demonstrated his “Heads or Tails” game, which uses his computerized communication device to teach basic math skills.

SmartHome tech guru Alex Andrews demonstrated some of the home’s technology to Colorado State Representative Deb Gardner.

Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont benefactors Bob Charles III and Dale Charles.

Imagine! CEO Mark Emery enjoys a private chat with Sarah.

Chris On The iPad

Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Chris has been using his iPad to watch videos and listen to music. This is a great example of how some of the new technologies out there are increasing independence among SmartHome residents. With the iPad, Chris has control over his own environment in a way that wouldn’t have been possible even two years ago.

Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont Technologies

Our good friends at PEH Architects created this cut away view of the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont to show the variety of cutting edge technologies in the home.

Sarah At Home

Enjoy some nice pictures of Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont resident Sarah relaxing in her home.

Gerald's Photography

We mentioned awhile back that Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Gerald has his own camera, which can be mounted to his wheelchair and operated using a head switch. He has been using the camera to take some great photos and express his creativity. Today, we’d like to share a few of those photos. Great job, Gerald!

And these are only a few of the photos. See a bunch more on the SmartHomes Facebook page.

Using Music And Technology To Develop Socialization Skills

Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont resident Loren is working on his socialization skills using technology. One of his great loves is music, and he is learning how to access his favorite songs independently on the computer. Here’s the socialization part – he’s taken to playing DJ for his housemates, sharing his favorite songs. Keep up the good work, Loren!

New Resident At Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont

A new resident moved into the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont recently. We’re still trying to figure out how to get a computer that will fit into the nest.

SmartHomes In The News

One of the goals of our SmartHomes project is to use technology to augment the efficiency of our services.

For one example, check out this article from ComputerWeekly.com about Imagine!’s use of enterprise resource planning software to save time and staff hours.

Presentable

SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems and PR guy Fred Hobbs will both be presenting at ANCOR's 2011 Conference in June.

The theme of the conference is “Leading Cultures of Innovation and Advocacy,” and who better than the SmartHomes team to discuss innovation?

Greg will be on a panel discussing changing lives through technology, and Fred will present on how DSPs can use social media to improve the lives of those they serve.

Good luck, guys! We know you’ll represent Imagine! and the SmartHomes well.

Radio, Radio

Did you miss Monday’s KGNU radio show featuring Imagine! SmartHome resident Mandy, Imagine! SmartHome project manager Sterling Wind, and Imagine! SmartHome site supervisor Tyler Waneka? No worries!

Just click here to hear the whole thing.

Great job, everybody!

You Are Invited! Longmont SmartHome Open House

The residents and staff members of the Charles Family SmartHome cordially invite you to join them in their home for an

Open House

Thursday, May 26, 2011, 4:00 – 7:00 PM

1608 Otis Drive, Longmont, CO 80501

Imagine! is welcoming the general public to the Charles Family SmartHome at a free Open House on Thursday, May 26 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. to share this remarkable achievement with its community. Come see first hand how technology is changing the lives of individuals with cognitive, developmental, physical, and health related needs.

Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP by May 23 to Susan LaHoda:

(303) 666-7018 or slahoda@imaginecolorado.org

THIS AFTERNOON! - SmartHomes on the Radio

THIS AFTERNOON!

Imagine!’s Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Mandy and SmartHomes Project Manager Sterling Wind will be interviewed on Boulder's KGNU radio 88.5 FM or 1390 AM, Monday, May 9 between 3:00 and 3:30 PM Mountain Time.

You can listen online here.

Anthony at Eco-Cycle

Here’s a couple of new photos of SmartHome resident Anthony hard at work at Eco-Cycle. Thanks to Eco-Cycle, Anthony is able to contribute to his community, paying taxes and spending his hard earned money where he lives. We appreciate the support, Eco-Cycle!

SmartHome Residents At Safety First Class

Some residents of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome are scheduled to graduate tonight from a Boulder Police Department Safety First Course. The free course is designed to provide safety tips to adults with developmental disabilities who live and work in the community. The curriculum of the program covers decision making skills, street-smart safety, home security, fire prevention, and safety on public transportation.

Safety First for Adults is taught by Boulder Police Officers using a combination of lecture, small group, and hands-on activities.

Congratulations to everyone involved, and thanks to the Boulder PD for hosting this valuable class!

Rebecca in the Communication Center



Rebecca and Lana studying intently



Lana answers a question about when you should call 911. 

Lana practices dialing 911 and answering questions.

John high fives a fellow student (possibly Carmelo Anthony?) who just successfully completed a task

Rebecca practices calling 911 and answering questions, such as “What’s your address?”

John practices calling 911 on a cell phone. It’s different than a land line phone as you have to push the green “send” button.

John with Officer Sue Barcklow

Happy Birthday Wes!

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont resident Wes. Hope it is a great one, Wes!

Happy Birthday Chris!

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Chris! His birthday is today, and this past weekend he had a lovely party to celebrate. Enjoy some of the pictures from his party below.