Hope's Choices

As proud as we at Imagine! are of our SmartHomes, we know that the homes themselves can only serve a very few people. That is why part of the second phase of our SmartHomes project is to test and refine technologies that can be used by other individuals with intellectual, developmental, or related disabilities.

Here's one example of where we've started that effort. In the video below, Hope, a individual served by Imagine! (but not a SmartHome resident) is using technology to learn the first step in communicating on her own by pushing a button to indicate choices. That may seem simple, but for someone like Hope, who has never had the capability to verbally or physically indicate her preferences to others, the simple act of making his own choice is a profound first step toward independence.



You may have seen some earlier videos of Hope using a hand switch to indicate her choices (check them out here). This video also shows a progression, as Hope is now using a head switch, which will ultimately give her more control over her environment, as she has more ability to use the head switch when compared to the hand switch.

The video also demonstrate how Imagine! is taking a system-wide approach to implementing technology to improve the lives of those we serve.