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Wish List Wednesday
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Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Thank You, Twisted Pine!
Yesterday, Imagine! CEO Mark Emery made a blog post thanking Twisted Pine Brewing Company for employing individuals served by Imagine!. One of those individuals is Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Gerald, and we can’t express our appreciation enough for the effort they put into making Gerald’s job there a success for everyone.
Thanks Twisted Pine, you guys are the best!
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Interested In Volunteering At The SmartHome?
Do you know someone who might have an interest in being a volunteer at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder to assist one of the residents with improving their basic money skills? Imagine!’s Innovations department is seeking a volunteer tutor to assist an adult individual at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder with basic money skills. Interested individuals should be available to commit to weekly sessions and successfully complete a background check.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in this volunteer position, please click here to apply.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Technology Tuesday
Those of us working to incorporate technology into to the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities so they may live fulfilling lives know that the iPad is fueling a revolution in how that goal can be achieved. If you’d like some examples, simply read below as Stephanie Tilley, Imagine!’s Assistive Technology Lab facilitator, discusses the many ways that iPads have been incorporated into classes hosted by Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source department. And we’ve only just begun!
At Imagine!’s Boulder CORE/Labor Source facility, we have been using iPads to work on building educational and communication skills. The iPad is an amazing tool that is versatile, portable, and customizable for individual clients, and has cutting edge programs. Clients in the iPad and Communication classes have commented on how excited they are for class and we are seeing real progress in their life skills. With such progress we have now expanded iPad use at Boulder’s CORE/Labor Source facility to incorporate the iPads into other classes offered here.
The cooking class uses a program called Visual Impact to increase client independence by creating step by step visual recipes with auditory cues. The music class has a client using the iPad to encourage his participation in class by allowing him to play the piano or drums while walking around class. The dance class is using a relaxation app to mix their own relaxation sounds during yoga.
The iPad is being used in art classes for visual and auditory schedules for setting up art stations. We hope to use the iPad in the next few weeks for showing art examples and for step by step examples of how to create a project from start to finish. The sensory class is using the iPad for relaxation and sound recognition. The communication class is using the iPad for choice making and expressive communication. The cause and effect class using the iPads as a reinforcing activity when clients work towards basic communication by pressing a switch.
The iPad class is using the iPads for working on so many educational skills, including but not limited to: letters, spelling, reading, reading comprehension, numbers, counting, math, puzzles, thinking skills, shapes, colors, hand eye coordination, and fine motor skills. The clients have learned how to navigate through the iPad to the different activities. Though the clients are constantly working on educational skills, they often comment on how much they are enjoying the class. The clients can work at their individual level and pace even though we are all working on the same skill, for example, math skills. One client can be working on addition while another is working on counting, while still another is working on multiplication.
We are looking at incorporating the iPads into our worksites very soon. We are excited about the potential support that the iPads, and technology in general, can provide for our clients and can’t wait to see where this new venture takes us. The sky is the limit!
At Imagine!’s Boulder CORE/Labor Source facility, we have been using iPads to work on building educational and communication skills. The iPad is an amazing tool that is versatile, portable, and customizable for individual clients, and has cutting edge programs. Clients in the iPad and Communication classes have commented on how excited they are for class and we are seeing real progress in their life skills. With such progress we have now expanded iPad use at Boulder’s CORE/Labor Source facility to incorporate the iPads into other classes offered here.
The cooking class uses a program called Visual Impact to increase client independence by creating step by step visual recipes with auditory cues. The music class has a client using the iPad to encourage his participation in class by allowing him to play the piano or drums while walking around class. The dance class is using a relaxation app to mix their own relaxation sounds during yoga.
The iPad is being used in art classes for visual and auditory schedules for setting up art stations. We hope to use the iPad in the next few weeks for showing art examples and for step by step examples of how to create a project from start to finish. The sensory class is using the iPad for relaxation and sound recognition. The communication class is using the iPad for choice making and expressive communication. The cause and effect class using the iPads as a reinforcing activity when clients work towards basic communication by pressing a switch.
The iPad class is using the iPads for working on so many educational skills, including but not limited to: letters, spelling, reading, reading comprehension, numbers, counting, math, puzzles, thinking skills, shapes, colors, hand eye coordination, and fine motor skills. The clients have learned how to navigate through the iPad to the different activities. Though the clients are constantly working on educational skills, they often comment on how much they are enjoying the class. The clients can work at their individual level and pace even though we are all working on the same skill, for example, math skills. One client can be working on addition while another is working on counting, while still another is working on multiplication.
We are looking at incorporating the iPads into our worksites very soon. We are excited about the potential support that the iPads, and technology in general, can provide for our clients and can’t wait to see where this new venture takes us. The sky is the limit!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Presentable
Imagine!’s SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems will be providing the keynote address at the South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities’ Conference “Creating Possibilities: Where the Rubber Meets the Road.”
This event, scheduled for May 19-20, is for providers and supporters for people with cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, or age related and medical limitations. Participants will find out how technology can be used to promote an independent and full life for the people they support. Attendees can anticipate hearing from leaders in the field, learning about best practices and taking home practical solutions that are easily implemented.
Way to go, Greg!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Chris At Monster Jam
Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Chris recently attended Monster Jam at the Pepsi Center in Denver with staff members. Chris said his favorite part was watching the motorcycles go off the jumps. He also said he would like to go again sometime. Maybe on an upcoming Sunday Sunday SUNDAY!!!!!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Thank You, Collins Foundation
Today we’d like to offer our sincere gratitude to the Collins Foundation, managed by Wells Fargo.
We recently learned that the Collins Foundation is providing a $2,000 grant to Imagine!’s Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome. The Collins Foundation has been a longtime and consistent support of our SmartHomes project. They've given seven grants to the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome totaling $20,500.
Even before our SmartHomes were opened, the Collins Foundation has supported Imagine!’s mission to provide community opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Prior to the seven grants for the SmartHomes, they had given seven other grants to Imagine!. In total, they have given us $40,900!
Wow! We are so thankful!
We recently learned that the Collins Foundation is providing a $2,000 grant to Imagine!’s Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome. The Collins Foundation has been a longtime and consistent support of our SmartHomes project. They've given seven grants to the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome totaling $20,500.
Even before our SmartHomes were opened, the Collins Foundation has supported Imagine!’s mission to provide community opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Prior to the seven grants for the SmartHomes, they had given seven other grants to Imagine!. In total, they have given us $40,900!
Wow! We are so thankful!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Congratulations Isaac!
Congratulations to Isaac Marin, the Assistant Site Supervisor at Imagine!’s Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont, for being selected as one of five finalists for the Alliance Direct Support Professional of the Year. The overall winner was announced today at Alliance’s Annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the State Capitol. While Isaac wasn’t selected as the winner, all of us here at Imagine! know that we are the real winners because we have him on our team!
Enjoy a few pictures from the event.
Enjoy a few pictures from the event.
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| (Left to right, Priyanka Giri, former site supervisor at the Charles Family SmartHome, Isaac, and Jodi Walters, Imagine!'s Innovations Director. |
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| Isaac shows off his Appreciation Certificate at the Imagine! table at the event. |
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| The finalists. |
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| Isaac, Imagine!'s Lou Ella Price, and Janet. |
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| Isaac's certificate and a special note from a friend. |
Friday, February 14, 2014
Imagine! Community Forum Set For Feb. 25
You Are Invited to the Annual Imagine! Community Forum
Tuesday, February 25, 2014 from 5:30-6:30 PM
Imagine!’s John M. Taylor Conference Center
1665 Coal Creek Dr., Lafayette, CO
Do you have questions, concerns, or ideas about Imagine!? Then join us for our Annual Community Forum on Tuesday, February 25. Representatives from Imagine!’s staff and Board of Directors will be on hand to answer questions and receive input from families and local community members. Join us in person or online! Topics to be discussed include:
- State of the State
- Governor Hickenlooper’s Budget Proposal
- Community Capacity Issues
- Imagine!’s New Home for Seniors in Broomfield
To attend online: http://www.imaginecolorado.org/online-multimedia-events
To email your questions/comments in advance: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ImagineForum
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Mandy's Valentine's Day Story
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Mandy recently wrote her own holiday story. Mandy wrote the words, and worked with staff members at the home to select pictures to go with the story. Enjoy the story below. Great work, Mandy!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Slideshow: SmartHome Collaborations For Success
Last week, we mentioned that Imagine! hosted some international visitors as part of a collaboration with WorldDenver.
The visitors were not-for-profit professionals from countries including Cameroon, Hungary, Kenya, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, Imagine!’s SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems presented on how Imagine! effectively leveraged partnerships with vendors, public institutions, and other service providers to ensure the success of our ambitious SmartHomes project.
Click here to see a slideshow with Greg’s key points.
The visitors were not-for-profit professionals from countries including Cameroon, Hungary, Kenya, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, Imagine!’s SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems presented on how Imagine! effectively leveraged partnerships with vendors, public institutions, and other service providers to ensure the success of our ambitious SmartHomes project.
Click here to see a slideshow with Greg’s key points.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Technology Tuesday
Today’s Technology Tuesday comes from Imagine!’s Assistive Technology Lab facilitator Stephanie Tilley. Stephanie shares how she used her creativity to produce some simple, inexpensive, but very functional adaptive switches for people served by Imagine!.
Way to go, Stephanie!
I was recently scouring the internet to find some adaptive switches for our Cause and Effect class. While limited in my selection, there were some very nice switches. I was able to purchase ONE that was tactile and had the bonus of a visual reinforcement when pressed, but it was a bit pricey, costing $85 for one switch. I wanted to purchase more, but they didn’t quite fit my needs and once again were a bit pricey.
Then I remembered that we had a box of about 20 switch covers to replace covers as needed (which is not often). I looked on Amazon for tactile or sensory items. I found the Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set for less than $10 and it included 6 BPA free, hard plastic, light weight, textured balls. I used hot glue to attach the balls to the switch covers. I now have three more adaptive switch options for less than $10 by using what I had available, a little creativity, and hot glue!
Adaptive purchased switch on the left with three adaptive switches that I made on the right.
Way to go, Stephanie!
Cost Effective Adaptive Switches
I was recently scouring the internet to find some adaptive switches for our Cause and Effect class. While limited in my selection, there were some very nice switches. I was able to purchase ONE that was tactile and had the bonus of a visual reinforcement when pressed, but it was a bit pricey, costing $85 for one switch. I wanted to purchase more, but they didn’t quite fit my needs and once again were a bit pricey.
Then I remembered that we had a box of about 20 switch covers to replace covers as needed (which is not often). I looked on Amazon for tactile or sensory items. I found the Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set for less than $10 and it included 6 BPA free, hard plastic, light weight, textured balls. I used hot glue to attach the balls to the switch covers. I now have three more adaptive switch options for less than $10 by using what I had available, a little creativity, and hot glue!
Adaptive purchased switch on the left with three adaptive switches that I made on the right.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Happy Birthday, Gerald!
Wishing the happiest of birthdays to Imagine! Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Gerald. Make it a great one, G!
Friday, February 7, 2014
More Good News For Isaac!
Earlier this week, we told you that Isaac Marin, Assistant Site Supervisor at the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont, was recently nominated for an Alliance Direct Support Professional of the Year Award.
We have found out that Isaac is one of five finalists for the award! The winner will be announced Feb. 19.
Way to go Isaac!
Learn more at Imagine! CEO Mark Emery’s blog.
We have found out that Isaac is one of five finalists for the award! The winner will be announced Feb. 19.
Way to go Isaac!
Learn more at Imagine! CEO Mark Emery’s blog.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Imagine! Hosts International Visitors
The visitors were not-for-profit professionals from countries including Cameroon, Hungary, Kenya, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, Imagine!’s SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems presented on how Imagine! effectively leveraged partnerships with vendors, public institutions, and other service providers to ensure the success of our ambitious SmartHomes project.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Super Fans!
Pictured from the left are Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome residents Donna, Rebecca, and Mandy. This photo was taken just before the kickoff of the Super Bowl on Sunday, and these ladies sure displayed their enthusiasm for the Broncos. The face painting for Donna and Rebecca was done by Assistant Site Supervisor at the home, Shannon. Though they were disappointed in the outcome of the game, the ladies still love their hometown team!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Technology Tuesday
Chris’s Corner
"No One But Chris puts Chris in the Corner"
Manhattan Project Update Part III: “STAY CALM!”
Welcome back, everyone! Here are the newest updates for the Manhattan Project. At the last installment of Chris’s Corner, I mentioned that we were developing a new tool that would go beyond basic currency review and be realized as a fully interactive tool for adding and subtracting sums of money, thus limiting the need for staff intervention the double-check money sums as participants go through ingredient lists. It is this tool that is this week’s focus.
This tool (for which we don’t yet have a title) can be used either in conjunction with the AbleLink Visual Impact app used in meal preparation, or can be used as an independent practice tool. When an individual opens up this program, this is the first thing they see:
When participants choose a recipe item, this becomes the “list.” They are then directed to the store, which looks like this:
Upon arrival at the store, they are then prompted to indicate whether or not they would like a tour. The tour is basically a walk-through of each component on the page. Participants can add or remove coins or dollar bills to the counter, and a running total is displayed on the right of the screen. Either the target total or the running total can be selected at any time to prompt the program to speak it aloud. Clients can also receive hints at any time. Once the two totals match up, participants are prompted to count out the coins and bills as shown on screen (Participants can also opt to see the most efficient way a total can be made, i.e., one can use 75 pennies for something costing $.75, but three quarters is much more efficient). This process goes on until all the ingredients have been purchased, or until the participant quits the activity.
As I mentioned earlier, this tool currently being tested, and there are a few things that need to be done to optimize it, but it’s already a lot of fun.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Monday, February 3, 2014
Congratulations, Isaac
Isaac Marin, Assistant Site Supervisor at the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont, was recently nominated for an Alliance Direct Support Professional of the Year Award. The winner of this award will be announced Wednesday, February 19, at Alliance’s Awareness Day for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities at the Denver Art Museum. Below is information from his nomination that demonstrates why he was nominated for this prestigious award. Congratulations Isaac, and good luck!
Isaac Marin has been a Direct Support Professional with Imagine! since 2008. At that time, Isaac worked at a group home where five adolescent boys in the foster care system lived. The residents at the home frequently had a difficult time managing their behavior, and helping them to find replacement behaviors for intrusive, dangerous outbursts was on ongoing issue. One of Isaac’s coworkers commented that during outbursts by the residents, Isaac’s calm yet firm demeanor was instrumental in helping the residents successfully redirect themselves. Isaac also made himself available to his coworkers to help them process what had occurred when things calmed down. His positive attitude helped his coworkers to recognize that their efforts were valuable.
Another piece of this story is that Isaac made one of the foster children in the house his apprentice carpenter. This resident had many skills with carpentry, along with a genuine interest in that sort of work, but due to his behavioral challenges, he had not been successful with obtaining or maintaining employment. As Isaac’s apprentice, he learned valuable job skills in a safe, controlled environment, making minor repairs at the group home. The consumer, who is now a young adult, is able to include on his resume that he has experience as an apprentice carpenter because of Isaac.
Isaac currently works at the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont. His supervisor, Chris DiRosa, said, “Issac has been an incredible resource to those he serves at the home. Isaac ensures that doctor appointments, adaptive technology usage, and direct care needs are accomplished in an above and beyond manner. Isaac regularly coordinates and completes extra community outings and constantly meets emotional and friendship needs along with direct care needs. One of Isaac’s strong suits is that he encourages independence and helps those he serves by helping them help themselves in tasks and responsibilities that residents are able to complete.”
During the flood in September, there was a weekend where a lot of things went wrong with staffing at the house and Isaac did an exceptional job with helping in any way that he could to get staff to cover shifts and to be proactive with covering the house.
Isaac’s most recent noteworthy effort was just a month ago when he missed attending a Denver Broncos game against the San Diego Chargers that he had a ticket for, due to a direct care immediate need. He wasn't scheduled to work, but he went ahead and helped a co-worker take a resident to a seating/wheelchair appointment in Englewood. The appointment went far past the scheduled time frame and when they got back to the group home, it was too late for Isaac to attend the game. And Isaac handled this with grace and good cheer. Once again, Isaac placed his service to others above his own plans. Isaac is a great asset to the team, and an example of fantastic servanthood to the community we serve.
Anthony, who lives at the house told us, “I like Isaac, he’s funny.” Isaac summed up his outlook on being a Direct Support Professional by saying, “I really enjoy what I do..........I Love it.”
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| Isaac Marin (left), seen here being honored with a "Hero Award" from Charles Family SmartHome site supervisor Chris DiRosa, has been nominated for a prestigious Alliance Direct Support Professional of the Year Award. |
Isaac Marin has been a Direct Support Professional with Imagine! since 2008. At that time, Isaac worked at a group home where five adolescent boys in the foster care system lived. The residents at the home frequently had a difficult time managing their behavior, and helping them to find replacement behaviors for intrusive, dangerous outbursts was on ongoing issue. One of Isaac’s coworkers commented that during outbursts by the residents, Isaac’s calm yet firm demeanor was instrumental in helping the residents successfully redirect themselves. Isaac also made himself available to his coworkers to help them process what had occurred when things calmed down. His positive attitude helped his coworkers to recognize that their efforts were valuable.
Another piece of this story is that Isaac made one of the foster children in the house his apprentice carpenter. This resident had many skills with carpentry, along with a genuine interest in that sort of work, but due to his behavioral challenges, he had not been successful with obtaining or maintaining employment. As Isaac’s apprentice, he learned valuable job skills in a safe, controlled environment, making minor repairs at the group home. The consumer, who is now a young adult, is able to include on his resume that he has experience as an apprentice carpenter because of Isaac.
Isaac currently works at the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont. His supervisor, Chris DiRosa, said, “Issac has been an incredible resource to those he serves at the home. Isaac ensures that doctor appointments, adaptive technology usage, and direct care needs are accomplished in an above and beyond manner. Isaac regularly coordinates and completes extra community outings and constantly meets emotional and friendship needs along with direct care needs. One of Isaac’s strong suits is that he encourages independence and helps those he serves by helping them help themselves in tasks and responsibilities that residents are able to complete.”
During the flood in September, there was a weekend where a lot of things went wrong with staffing at the house and Isaac did an exceptional job with helping in any way that he could to get staff to cover shifts and to be proactive with covering the house.
Isaac’s most recent noteworthy effort was just a month ago when he missed attending a Denver Broncos game against the San Diego Chargers that he had a ticket for, due to a direct care immediate need. He wasn't scheduled to work, but he went ahead and helped a co-worker take a resident to a seating/wheelchair appointment in Englewood. The appointment went far past the scheduled time frame and when they got back to the group home, it was too late for Isaac to attend the game. And Isaac handled this with grace and good cheer. Once again, Isaac placed his service to others above his own plans. Isaac is a great asset to the team, and an example of fantastic servanthood to the community we serve.
Anthony, who lives at the house told us, “I like Isaac, he’s funny.” Isaac summed up his outlook on being a Direct Support Professional by saying, “I really enjoy what I do..........I Love it.”
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