Imagine! Hosting Technology Best Practices Provider Meeting

Tomorrow, members of Imagine!’s SmartHomes team will be hosting a Technology Best Practices Provider meeting. The meeting will be held in advance of the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disability’s 13th Annual National Conference scheduled for and the 2013 ANCOR Technology Summit & Showcase scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, and Thursday, October 3.

The goals of this meeting are to: identify and share technology best practices in the field of IDD; identify areas of collaboration in support of our individual business practices; and identify areas of collaboration in consumers/client technology.

The hope is the meeting will help all participant organizations to: improve our current services; discover common interests to influence the development of technology; share research; discover opportunities to partner on grants; develop and advocate for a technology agenda; and potentially share training.

In addition to Imagine!, provider organizations from around the country are scheduled to participate, including representatives from Ohio-based Wynn-Reeth, Inc., New York-based Living Resources, Connecticut-based Ability Beyond Disability, Minnesota-based Hammer, and ANCOR.

We’re looking forward to the gathering, and have high hopes for a productive and mutually beneficial experience!

Making Zucchini Bread

From the left, staff member Claudette, and Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome residents Gerald, Rae, and Donna making zucchini bread. Claudette and Rae are helping Gerald pour oil into the dough. What a great team effort. Also, Donna is reading the recipe to the others so they know how much of each ingredient they need.

No TV, No Problem For SmartHome Residents

This blog post came to us during a visit to the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder last Monday night during the Denver Broncos versus Oakland Raiders football game. The residents have been without TV since the flood, but their computers are working and they took advantage of that to keep tabs on the Bronco game. The photos demonstrate that being without a TV has not dampened their spirits. We hope you enjoy the photos and captions below.

 

Before the football game, Gerald and Donna wanted their picture
taken by the donor plaque in their home. They celebrated their
fourth wedding anniversary this month. 

Lana is standing behind Donna and Gerald, all eyes focused on
the screen to see what was going to happen next.

Donna shouted, "WE ARE WINNING!  YEA!" 

At this point the score was Denver 10 and Oakland 0.
The score is displayed near the center of the screen with an orange background.
Below the score it gives where the ball is, what down it is, and how many yards
to go for a first down.

If you look closely you can see that the score had just changed
to Denver 17 and Oakland 0.  Go Broncos!

John Thanks Flood Volunteers

This photo came to us last night during a visit to the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome. John wrote a thank you note to the people who came by to help clean up the basement of his home after it was damaged by four feet of water. The note says, "Dear guys, T(h)anks for working in the basement in the SmartHome."

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 in unique ways, 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. 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.

Residents at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder are testing a new computer-based medication task minder developed by Imagine! staff members that will allow the residents to take more control over their own medication administration. Created in collaboration with Imagine!’s Innovations nursing department, this task minder program helps to train residents by providing self-directed step-by-step instructions for administering their own medications. The program is designed to be flexible enough so that each individual is able to have personalized prompting based on their own skills set. The potential benefits of this training program are many. Individuals who are able to administer their own medications need less costly supervision and are able to live more independent lives. Here’s a video of the Med Minder Task Prompting System in action, with Lana practicing using the system with some pretend medications.



Can’t see the video? Click here.

John Checks In With A Flood Update

This post came to us from John in an audio email. John is a resident at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, which received significant damage in the basement (about four feet of water). John wrote to let us know that he and his housemates are safe.

“The water on the basement was downstairs after the heavy rain that fell. Iris Street got a bit of flood. I know it’s really crazy but right now the basement is fixing up so I just got to let you know what’s going on. I am home safely, so that’s the good thing.”

SmartHome Flood Superhero Shout Out!

Imagine! SmartHome flood superhero shout out – during the worst of the floods, Site Supervisor Chantelle Tweeten stayed 36 hours at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome, away from her young daughter and family, to ensure coverage and safety.

Help Imagine! Rebuild After The Floods

Many people have offered to help in the aftermath of the floods, and we are so appreciative. We have set up a fundraising campaign to help offset at least some of the costs of gutting and rebuilding Imagine! sites, including the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome. Watch the short video below, and then go to here to donate. Every little bit helps! Please share with anyone you think would be interested.



Can’t see the video? Click here.

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 in unique ways, 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. 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! is partnering with the University of Wyoming to create assistive technology for individuals served by Imagine!. Here’s one project in the works: Assistive Technology Robot Arm and Wrist Support. The overall goal of this project is to engineer and design a system that is integrated into an existing powered wheelchair frame such that a client would have adjustable wrist support with their control hand, as well as one-touch control of a motorized robot arm capable of moving the client’s communication device in and out of their line of sight. The robot arm will have the capability of holding a communication device with a maximum weight of 20 pounds, and retracting to a position that does not interfere with the client’s ability to operate the wheelchair. The team’s expectation fo the wrist support device are such that the support will be able to assist and stabilize the client’s arm, in order to aid in the operation of a touch screen device as well as the wheelchair joystick controls. The support device will be adjustable and ergonomic to accommodate various sizes and weights of the client’s arms.

SmartHome Flood Damage Pictures

Sigh.

Here are a few photos from the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome after the flooding last week. We’re still assessing damage and figuring out next steps, but all residents continue to be safe and sound. For the latest on how the flooding has impacted Imagine! and the folks we serve, check out Imagine! CEO Mark Emery’s latest blog post.

Flood Update

The following update comes from Imagine! CEO Mark Emery's blog:

Hello –

I wanted to give you an update on how Imagine! and the people we serve have been impacted by the severe flooding hitting Boulder and Broomfield area.

Fortunately, right now we do not have any reports of injuries or fatalities, either among staff members or individuals we serve. So that part is good news, at least. Unfortunately, many of our homes have been damaged because of the flooding, some significantly.

The worst hit was our Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder. Up to four feet of water flooded the basement there overnight on Wednesday, destroying a good deal of equipment as well as the staff live-in apartment. Thanks to the hard work of many, sandbags were placed yesterday around the stairwell where the water entered, and we did not see more floods last night. The residents are still in the home and safe and there is partial electricity.

Imagine!’s Foothills St home is holding as well with minor flooding mitigated by a creative manual fix. However, the home is mostly cut off from anyone entering or leaving the area due to road closings.

Imagine!’s Tenino Companion Model Home has ankle deep water in the basement. The resident has been staying with her parents, but live in staff members are justifiably concerned about where they will stay next.

Imagine!’s 19th St. home is dry though a back porch is threatened. The staff there stepped up and helped a youth in our foster care system who was stranded at a bus station. The Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont is unscathed but also cut off because of road closures.

Imagine!’s Garden Place home has standing water and a displaced live-in but residents are safe.

Imagine!’s Manhattan Place Apartments are dry and stable.

Linden Companion Model also has about ankle deep water in the basement. The contractors in that home are worried about their living situation for the future as well. As is Caledonia Companion Model.

Imagine!’s day services from Out & About and CORE/Labor Source were cancelled yesterday and today. We don’t know of any damage to our CORE/Labor Source facilities in Boulder or Longmont.

Our biggest concern right now is staffing. Like everyone in the area, Imagine! employees are having a difficult time travelling due to many road closures. Many staff members at our residences have stepped up and been absolute superstars, camping in homes, working extremely extended hours, and putting aside their own personal concerns to making sure everyone is safe and sound. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all of them for excelling during this moment of crisis. Administrative staff members are scrambling to make sure shifts are covered. I’m proud to know how this organization comes together in tough times, and it is inspiring to say the least.

I will share more as I learn more, but on behalf of Imagine! and everyone we serve, thank you for your concern and good thoughts. I know we will come through this stronger and I’m already awed at the way our staff members and the people we serve are getting through this with humor and strength.

Floods Damage Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome

Unfortunate news from the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder – significant damage has been done to the home because of the flooding that has occurred in Boulder County. All of the residents and staff members are safe, but the damage has made us unsure if the residents will be able to stay in the home. The staff live-in area was especially hard hit. We will keep you posted, in the meantime, please send good thoughts to everyone impacted by the flooding.

Lana Was In Her First Parade On Labor Day

This post came to us last week during a conversation with Lana at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder. Lana had been asked if she had a good time being in the Louisville Labor Day Parade. Lana and three of her housemates (Gerald, Donna, and Rae) along with two SmartHome staff members (Alex and Phil) were in the parade helping to represent Imagine!, which was invited to be the Grand Marshal in recognition of Imagine!'s 50th anniversary this year.

"I had a good time in the parade. I’d never been in a parade before. I think it’s great that Rae (one of Lana’s housemates) walked the entire way (about one mile). It was fun giving out candy to all the kids.”

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 in unique ways, 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. 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.

Here’s a fun video of Scott, who receives services from Imagine!, playing a Lumosity brain game at home. Lumosity is an online brain training and neuroscience research company which offers a brain training program consisting of 39 games in the areas of memory, attention, flexibility, speed of processing, and problem solving. According to Lumosity’s website, the exercises are designed by neuroscientists to improve core cognitive functions. The touch screen access is important for Scott, as he has difficulty manipulating a traditional mouse. Another nice feature of Lumosity games is that they track the progress of the users, which can be beneficial in getting clues of changes in cognition.



Can’t see the video? Click here.

Thank You, SmartHome DSPs!

Sep. 8 - 14 is "National Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Recognition Week," both nationally and here in Colorado. The success or our SmartHomes and the people who live there is the result of the hard working and dedicated DSPs who work at the homes. Thank you, SmartHomes DSPs, for the tremendous and positive impact you have on the people you serve and our community!

Garage Sale Good News

You may recall that a few weeks ago, residents of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome hosted a garage sale. During the sale, Imagine received a $100 check from David and Catherine Burchett. David said he lives close by and told the residents“he likes the way we keep our yard.” The residents of the SmartHome want to throw a party with the money earned from this garage sale and donation. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Burchette!

Presentable

Late last year, Imagine!’s SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems presented at an Institute of Medicine/National Research Council Forum on Aging, Disability, and Independence entitled “Fostering Independence, Participation, and Healthy Aging Through Technology.” This was a very prestigious event and a demonstration of how our SmartHomes project truly is a leader in using technology to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals.

You can download a free copy of the printed summary by clicking here.*

*Registration is required to get the download, but that is free also.

Mandy Sees "Wizard Of Oz" At Boulder Dinner Theatre

This photo came to us in an email from Shannon Bundy, who is the Assistant Site Supervisor at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, where Mandy lives. Shannon told us: “Mandy and I went on an outing to the Boulder Dinner Theatre and saw "The Wizard of Oz" musical! She had a great time! She liked how the actors and actresses served us dinner. She got to have a gluten free veg curry for dinner! She told me that she would like to go to more plays like this in the future.”

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 in unique ways, 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. 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.

Participants in Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source all day “Balanced Living” class are getting an upgrade on technology. In the recent months Imagine! staff have been working together to integrate speech devices and iPads into the daily life skills activities that take place during class such as checking in about their weekend, asking for a spoon to mix ingredients, or asking a friend to play a game. The large variety of applications available allows the participants of the class to use the devices to play games that are designed to promote peer interactions and communication. In the coming months, iPads with step-by-step instructions on how to make the recipes used in class will be available for those looking for a more independent way to cook a delicious lunch.