Imagine!’s latest SmartHome newsletter is available online.
Check it out here.
Wish List Wednesday
5 years ago
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Technology Tuesday
Welcome to “Technology Tuesday.” Imagine!’s SmartHomes team has moved fully into the second phase of our project, where we are using the SmartHomes technology and taking it into other settings and sharing it with clients beyond just those living in the homes. We want to share those stories with you, hence the new feature. We hope these stories will be short and easy to read insights into how technology is changing the lives of everyone served by Imagine!, not just those living in the SmartHomes.
Imagine!’s Assistive Technology lab is currently hosting two advanced classes for clients who are using a variety of online educational software programs that track user data. Using these programs has two distinct advantages. One, the data tracking allows us to demonstrate measurable data, and two, having the software online means that clients are able to access the systems from anywhere that they have a computer and internet – so they can start doing the courses independently at their home, or at the library, for example. These two advantages mean that the educational software is more easily adaptable to different individual needs, and they also have the potential to create a sense of ownership and excitement among the clients as they get to see how far they can advance.
Imagine!’s Assistive Technology lab is currently hosting two advanced classes for clients who are using a variety of online educational software programs that track user data. Using these programs has two distinct advantages. One, the data tracking allows us to demonstrate measurable data, and two, having the software online means that clients are able to access the systems from anywhere that they have a computer and internet – so they can start doing the courses independently at their home, or at the library, for example. These two advantages mean that the educational software is more easily adaptable to different individual needs, and they also have the potential to create a sense of ownership and excitement among the clients as they get to see how far they can advance.
Monday, July 29, 2013
SmartHomes In The News
There was a really great story about Imagine!’s 50 year anniversary in yesterday’s Daily Camera, including a nice photo of SmartHome resident Gerald at work.
Click here to read the article.
Click here to read the article.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Celebrating 23 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Today marks the 23rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While much progress has been made, much remains to be done in our workplaces, schools and communities. Check out the video below to learn more.
Can’t see the video? Click here.
Can’t see the video? Click here.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Guess Who's Touring The SmartHomes?
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Lana's Jewelry Making
Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Lana enjoys making her own jewelry. Here’s a nice picture of her hard at work on her latest creation.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Technology Tuesday
Welcome to “Technology Tuesday.” The SmartHomes team has moved fully into the second phase of our project, where we are taking technology out of the SmartHomes and getting it in other settings and into the hands of other clients beyond just those living in the homes. We want to share those stories with you, hence the new feature. We hope these stories will be short and easy to read insights into how technology is changing the lives of everyone served by Imagine!, not just those living in the SmartHome.
For today’s “Technology Tuesday,” we’d like to share a little about the skills screening tools we have created for clients with significant disabilities who have spent most of their lives reliant on others for support in almost every activity of daily life.
The skills screening tools help Imagine! staff members determine which reinforcing activities would be most effective for individual clients. For example, one client may be motivated by being able to choose his or her favorite music, while another may be more interested in controlling which video he or she would like to watch, or another may find a different sensory input motivating (like being able to turn on a massage chair).
These skills screening tools provide us with the information necessary to develop individualized teaching programs for clients so they can learn how to control equipment themselves, and take the first steps toward making independent choices and establish control over their environment. Knowing which outcomes will be the most motivating for each individual increases the chances of success versus a “one-size-fits-all” approach that may work for some, but not others.
Our hope is that by increasing the odds of success at the early stages of learning how to make independent choices will eventually lead to the acquisition of more advanced communications skills.
For today’s “Technology Tuesday,” we’d like to share a little about the skills screening tools we have created for clients with significant disabilities who have spent most of their lives reliant on others for support in almost every activity of daily life.
The skills screening tools help Imagine! staff members determine which reinforcing activities would be most effective for individual clients. For example, one client may be motivated by being able to choose his or her favorite music, while another may be more interested in controlling which video he or she would like to watch, or another may find a different sensory input motivating (like being able to turn on a massage chair).
These skills screening tools provide us with the information necessary to develop individualized teaching programs for clients so they can learn how to control equipment themselves, and take the first steps toward making independent choices and establish control over their environment. Knowing which outcomes will be the most motivating for each individual increases the chances of success versus a “one-size-fits-all” approach that may work for some, but not others.
Our hope is that by increasing the odds of success at the early stages of learning how to make independent choices will eventually lead to the acquisition of more advanced communications skills.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Local Florists Make The SmartHomes Smile!
Many, many thanks today to Teleflora, Denver Wholesale Florist and Lafayette Florist for presenting Imagine! with 470 “Make Someone Smile” floral bouquets for Imagine! staff members and clients.
Teleflora donated its popular Be Happy Mugs, the flowers were donated by Denver Wholesale Florist, and volunteers from local florists help arrange the bouquets. Locally, two non-profit organizations received the generous donation of flowers. Sandi Yosihara-Sniff, General Manager of Layfayette Florist, is an executive Board Member of the Regional Teleflora Board and recommended Imagine! as one of the two agencies to receive the flowers.
And if that isn’t enough, Sandi and her team helped to deliver the bouquets! The bouquets were delivered to clients and staff members at Imagine!’s group homes, three-person homes, our CORE/Labor Source offices in Boulder and Longmont, and our two administrative office buildings.
Pictured are (top row, l to r): Sandi Yosihara-Sniff, General Manager and Florist, Lafayette Florist; Brian Wheat, Chief Executive Officer, Lafayette Florist; Leilani Sniff, Lafayette Florist; and (bottom row, l to r): Imagine!’s Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome residents Rebecca, Donna, Mandy, and Gerald.
Teleflora donated its popular Be Happy Mugs, the flowers were donated by Denver Wholesale Florist, and volunteers from local florists help arrange the bouquets. Locally, two non-profit organizations received the generous donation of flowers. Sandi Yosihara-Sniff, General Manager of Layfayette Florist, is an executive Board Member of the Regional Teleflora Board and recommended Imagine! as one of the two agencies to receive the flowers.
And if that isn’t enough, Sandi and her team helped to deliver the bouquets! The bouquets were delivered to clients and staff members at Imagine!’s group homes, three-person homes, our CORE/Labor Source offices in Boulder and Longmont, and our two administrative office buildings.
Pictured are (top row, l to r): Sandi Yosihara-Sniff, General Manager and Florist, Lafayette Florist; Brian Wheat, Chief Executive Officer, Lafayette Florist; Leilani Sniff, Lafayette Florist; and (bottom row, l to r): Imagine!’s Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome residents Rebecca, Donna, Mandy, and Gerald.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Guess Who's Touring The SmartHomes?
Scheduled to tour Imagine!’s Charles Family SmartHome today: Amy Scangarela, from the Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing (HCPF), Cheryl Duncan, from the Colorado Department for Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Howard Peck, from Xilinx.
Enjoy the tour, everyone!
Enjoy the tour, everyone!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
SmartHome Silly Faces
Residents and staff members at Imagine!’s Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome show their best silly faces. Their shirts read “My therapist has a wet nose.”
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Welcome To The Pirate's Cove!
Yesterday, we told you about Imagine!'s newest group educational activity called "Pirate's Cove." It's a computer pirate-themed game derived from Hangman, and can be played by one to eight players. Imagine!'s own tech superstar Chris Baumgart built the game adapting communication device software. This game teaches players (either players who use a communication device, or those who do not) to practice skills that include, but are not limited to, turn-taking, letter recognition, word composition, and peer socialization. Check out this video of the game in action. Arrrrr!
Can’t see the video? Click here.
Can’t see the video? Click here.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Technology Tuesday
Welcome to “Technology Tuesday.” The SmartHomes team has moved fully into the second phase of our project, where we are taking technology out of the SmartHomes and getting it in other settings and into the hands of other clients beyond just those living in the homes. We want to share those stories with you, hence the new feature. We hope these stories will be short and easy to read insights into how technology is changing the lives of everyone served by Imagine!, not just those living in the SmartHome.
Our newest group educational activity is an activity called “Pirate’s Cove.” It’s a computer pirate-themed game derived from Hangman, and can be played by one to eight players. Imagine!’s own tech superstar Chris Baumgart built the game adapting communication device software. This game teaches players (either players who use a communication device, or those who do not) to practice skills that include, but are not limited to, turn-taking, letter recognition, word composition, and peer socialization. So far, this activity has been implemented at both the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome and the Charles Family SmartHome, and everyone who has participated so far has indicated that it’s a lot of fun to play. Thanks to all the staff members at both SmartHomes for facilitating these activities!
Our newest group educational activity is an activity called “Pirate’s Cove.” It’s a computer pirate-themed game derived from Hangman, and can be played by one to eight players. Imagine!’s own tech superstar Chris Baumgart built the game adapting communication device software. This game teaches players (either players who use a communication device, or those who do not) to practice skills that include, but are not limited to, turn-taking, letter recognition, word composition, and peer socialization. So far, this activity has been implemented at both the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome and the Charles Family SmartHome, and everyone who has participated so far has indicated that it’s a lot of fun to play. Thanks to all the staff members at both SmartHomes for facilitating these activities!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Celebrate 50 Years With Imagine!
You are invited to Imagine!’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, August 4, 2013, 2-5 PM at the Millennium Harvest House Courtyard, 1345 28th St., Boulder. Join us for music, games, light refreshments, Imagine! giveaways, and a video of Imagine! through 50 years. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Please RSVP online.
Please RSVP online.
Friday, July 12, 2013
John Recalls His Days With Special Olympics
This post came to us as a conversation with John during a visit to the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome last week.
“I don’t have a softball game this week, there’s a girl’s fast pitch tournament at the field. My sisters Melanie and Melissa used to play in the girl’s fast pitch tournament at Mapleton Field. I went and watched them. This was way back in the 1980s and 1990s.
I ran track and field in the Special Olympics back then. I did the 50 and 100 meter dash and a relay where you hand off the baton. One year we went to the Air Force Academy and we got to sleep in the dorms overnight. The cadets were really nice. It has a big cafeteria.”
“I don’t have a softball game this week, there’s a girl’s fast pitch tournament at the field. My sisters Melanie and Melissa used to play in the girl’s fast pitch tournament at Mapleton Field. I went and watched them. This was way back in the 1980s and 1990s.
I ran track and field in the Special Olympics back then. I did the 50 and 100 meter dash and a relay where you hand off the baton. One year we went to the Air Force Academy and we got to sleep in the dorms overnight. The cadets were really nice. It has a big cafeteria.”
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| John waves a flag in the dining room at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome as he prepares for the 4th of July. |
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Guess Who's Touring The SmartHomes?
Scheduled to tour Imagine!’s Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont today: Colorado State Senator Matt Jones.
Hope you enjoy the tour, Senator Jones!
Hope you enjoy the tour, Senator Jones!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Mandy's Poem "Instructions For Snow In April"
Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Mandy wrote this poem in a CORE/Labor Source class and read it at the Dairy Center for the Arts performance on June 21st.
It’s snowing in April
Will this be a staple?
In December, the white dots were light
This spring, it is wet like an insane dog
The sun should shine
Bright enough to blind
To melt the snow:
1. Throw table salt over your shoulder as a message to the sun.
2. Eat oatmeal made with snow instead of water. It is recommended that you use a frozen snow bowl, if available.
3. Create a snow van and crawl inside. Then, pretend to drive up to Iris Avenue.
4. Meditate on heat.
Instructions for Snow in April
It’s snowing in April
Will this be a staple?
In December, the white dots were light
This spring, it is wet like an insane dog
The sun should shine
Bright enough to blind
To melt the snow:
1. Throw table salt over your shoulder as a message to the sun.
2. Eat oatmeal made with snow instead of water. It is recommended that you use a frozen snow bowl, if available.
3. Create a snow van and crawl inside. Then, pretend to drive up to Iris Avenue.
4. Meditate on heat.
 |
| Mandy reading her poetry at a recent CORE/Labor Source performance at The Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder. |
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Technology Tuesday
Welcome to “Technology Tuesday.” The SmartHomes team has moved fully into the second phase of our project, where we are taking technology out of the SmartHomes and getting it in other settings and into the hands of other clients beyond just those living in the homes. We want to share those stories with you, hence the new feature. We hope these stories will be short and easy to read insights into how technology is changing the lives of everyone served by Imagine!, not just those living in the SmartHome.
Today’s “Technology Tuesday” is about “Barney.” Barney is an adult who is non verbal, and was a very early adopter of technology. He used an early version of an electronic communication device in a vocational setting.
Unfortunately, the device wasn’t capable of meeting his needs. He was limited to 15 choices of words and phrases he could choose to communicate, and rather than help him with his employment, he instead tended to use it to get out of doing tasks he didn’t want to do. And because it was set up specifically for vocational purposes, it didn’t work well in other settings.
Eventually, Barney gave up on the device altogether.
Because we knew Barney had already been exposed to using technology to communicate, we thought he’d be a good candidate to introduce him to the latest generation of technology. Before we could do that, however, we had to determine if the technology would work for him.
So recently, we tested Barney using a iPad to create an “environmental overlay,” a series of pictures of rooms and items to see if Barney was able to identify and differentiate between the rooms and items. If so, that would mean that Barney would probably be able to use a picture based system on his iPad to communicate his needs and desires. Barney tested at 90%, proving he is able to identify different photos of rooms and items.
So in the next month we will begin training Barney on using this iPad picture based communication program so he can take the next step toward becoming more independent and in control of his own environment.
One way to ensure success in moving Barney towards independence is the support of all of his providers. Barney’s Host Home provider has worked closely with Imagine! staff members to create a foundation for success.
Today’s “Technology Tuesday” is about “Barney.” Barney is an adult who is non verbal, and was a very early adopter of technology. He used an early version of an electronic communication device in a vocational setting.
Unfortunately, the device wasn’t capable of meeting his needs. He was limited to 15 choices of words and phrases he could choose to communicate, and rather than help him with his employment, he instead tended to use it to get out of doing tasks he didn’t want to do. And because it was set up specifically for vocational purposes, it didn’t work well in other settings.
Eventually, Barney gave up on the device altogether.
Because we knew Barney had already been exposed to using technology to communicate, we thought he’d be a good candidate to introduce him to the latest generation of technology. Before we could do that, however, we had to determine if the technology would work for him.
So recently, we tested Barney using a iPad to create an “environmental overlay,” a series of pictures of rooms and items to see if Barney was able to identify and differentiate between the rooms and items. If so, that would mean that Barney would probably be able to use a picture based system on his iPad to communicate his needs and desires. Barney tested at 90%, proving he is able to identify different photos of rooms and items.
So in the next month we will begin training Barney on using this iPad picture based communication program so he can take the next step toward becoming more independent and in control of his own environment.
One way to ensure success in moving Barney towards independence is the support of all of his providers. Barney’s Host Home provider has worked closely with Imagine! staff members to create a foundation for success.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Donna's Way Back Photo
In this photo, Donna, who lives in the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, is showing a photo of her from eighth grade. Her husband Gerald clearly gets a kick out of seeing the photo. Donna found the photo while sorting through some boxes that had been hidden away for awhile.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Happy Fourth Of July!
John, Rebecca, and the rest of the SmartHome residents and staff members wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Guess Who's Touring The SmartHomes?
Scheduled to tour the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome today: Colorado State Representative Jenise May. Rep. May is the former deputy director of the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Hope you enjoy your tour, Rep. May!
Hope you enjoy your tour, Rep. May!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Technology Tuesday
Welcome to “Technology Tuesday.” The SmartHomes team has moved fully into the second phase of our project, where we are taking technology out of the SmartHomes and getting it in other settings and into the hands of other clients beyond just those living in the homes. We want to share those stories with you, hence the new feature. We hope these stories will be short and easy to read insights into how technology is changing the lives of everyone served by Imagine!, not just those living in the SmartHome.
This week’s story is about “Steve.” Steve is a 21-year old individual served by Imagine!. Steve often struggles with following directions from staff members and staying focused during activities in which he participates through Imagine!. We have discovered that Steve is more receptive to getting directions while using technology that helps him transition and plan for change.
Steve has been using a “Time Timer,” a visual countdown display (also available on the iPad) which helps him transition between activities. The constant reassurance of the timer allows him to remain focused and cues him as to when it is time to switch activities.
Steve has also been using a computerized communication device to independently initiate conversations with others. In the past, he rarely initiated communication and was reluctant to engage with others. The communication device has made it easier for Steve to participate in classes.
This week’s story is about “Steve.” Steve is a 21-year old individual served by Imagine!. Steve often struggles with following directions from staff members and staying focused during activities in which he participates through Imagine!. We have discovered that Steve is more receptive to getting directions while using technology that helps him transition and plan for change.
Steve has been using a “Time Timer,” a visual countdown display (also available on the iPad) which helps him transition between activities. The constant reassurance of the timer allows him to remain focused and cues him as to when it is time to switch activities.
Steve has also been using a computerized communication device to independently initiate conversations with others. In the past, he rarely initiated communication and was reluctant to engage with others. The communication device has made it easier for Steve to participate in classes.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Shelly Gets The Party Started
At the Imagine! CORE/Labor Source art show and performance held on Friday, June 21, Charles Family SmartHome resident Shelly gave the introduction to the performance using her DynaVox computerized communication device.
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