Pumpkin Fun

Last weekend, residents of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome went to a pumpkin patch, and staff member Keysha Torres took a unique and creative approach when it came time for carving one of the pumpkins. Here is resident Lana admiring her work.

When Is It OK To Use The R-Word?

Taking a day out from sharing SmartHome info to share this simple chart explaining when it is ok to use the R-word.

SPOILER ALERT – the answer is never.

Technology Tuesday

Today’s Technology Tuesday comes from Chris Baumgart, Imagine!’s Assistive Technology Specialist. Chris provides us the latest edition of a little segment he likes to call “Chris’s Corner.” Thanks, Chris! 

Chris’s Corner

"Down on the corner…Out in the Street…"

Coming to you straight from Imagine! CORE/Labor Source’s (CLS) own Boulder Adaptive Orchestra: “Give Us a Beat!”

The Adaptive Orchestra, which meets weekly at Imagine!'s Boulder CLS site, focuses on teaching a variety of skills to the individuals it serves. Many of the skills taught are what you’d expect to find in any music class: theory, note recognition, group performance, musical expression, and so many more. These skills can be taught any number of ways, as you can see by the simple adaptation featured below, used to teach specific keyboard keys that apply to specific scales.

Additionally, and this is where I get excited, this class is always challenged to find new and creative ways to engage its students, as well as broadening areas of inclusion for everyone. This has led to a number of new tools, ranging anywhere from iPad apps that allow more individuals to play virtual instruments in an arrangement, to digital drum pads, to MIDI controllers, and more. The newest introduction to this inclusive tool kit now turns DynaVox communication devices into dynamic music monster machines!

Shown below is a traditional MIDI Controller.

These controllers allow participants to press any of the buttons you see pictured, and each button sends a unique signal that is associated with various musical notes (from a range of virtual instruments), in addition to other samples and loops. However, the necessity of physically pressing the buttons presents a challenge to many individuals, and may hinder individuals (especially those using a communication device) from participating.

Now, by using the AccessIt interface pictured below, individuals are able to use their communication devices to mimic many of the same signals that a typical MIDI controller would transmit.

The user page shown above is a basic page set to transmit ten different unique signals that are easy to use and easy to customize, thus taking inclusive music performance and composition to a whole new horizon.

Stay tuned for video of footage of these sessions in action!

Presentable

On Wednesday, November 5, Imagine!’s SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems will be presenting at the 2014 OPEN MINDS Technology & Informatics Institute in Washington, D.C.

Greg will be part of a panel discussing “Community-Based Treatment Through Technology: Remote Monitoring, SmartHomes & More.”

Consumer health monitoring – also known as remote patient monitoring (RPM) – is a valuable form of ambulatory health care that gathers consumer biometric information through mobile medical devices and sends that information to health care professionals. Once collected, that data can be stored and analyzed, and acted upon in real time. The benefits to remote monitoring include reduced use of personnel and inpatient care, as well as increased consumer satisfaction and engagement. In this session, we will explore the benefits of remote monitoring technology and learn about some of the innovative new products on the market. The session will include:

• An overview of the remote monitoring market and future trends 
• A discussion on the benefits of using remote monitoring in community-based settings 
• A look at some of the new remote monitoring technologies available 

Good luck, Greg!

A Visit To The Circus

A couple of weeks ago, several residents of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome went to the circus together. Check out some photos from their adventure!

Guess Who’s Touring The SmartHomes?

Last Friday, a group of individuals toured Imagine!’s Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, including representatives from Imagine!’s Board of Directors, from Alliance, and from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). As Colorado and other states are trying to learn about how technology can be used to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Imagine! and our SmartHomes have become the destination spot for people to experience first-hand what the future of services could look like. Thanks to all of our “tourists” for visiting.

Mandy's New Book - "Alice's Adventures"

Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Mandy has published another book! This one is called “Alice’s Adventures.” Learn more, including how to purchase the book and support this talented author, by clicking here.

Technology Tuesday

This week’s Technology Tuesday comes to you from Suzanne Phillips, Communication Teacher at Imagine!’s Longmont CORE/Labor Source (CLS) hub. Today, Suzanne talks about the new iPads they recently acquired at Longmont CLS, and how they are planning to put those iPads to good use. 

It is finally time! Imagine!’s Longmont CORE/Labor Source (CLS) is proud to introduce you to our newest tech addition - a fleet of shiny new iPads!

We couldn't be more excited about the arrival of 10 iPads, a first for Longmont CLS. We have been preparing for this for a long time, and we have plans to integrate these devices into every classroom and job site at CLS. There is so much that we can do with these devices! Here are a few of the plans we have for these new tools:

• We will use them to create daily visual schedules for clients. 
• There will be a Google translate app and an ASL dictionary on every device. We have several clients at Longmont CLS whose primary language is not English - these apps will make communication with these clients quicker, more effective, and educational for all involved. 
• We have several apps dedicated to money math concepts, certainly an important skill for each of our clients to practice and master. 
• We have an app dedicated to what we call "checking in." This app is simple and can easily be used by non-readers. The first page has a variety of facial expressions - students can touch a smiling face, a frowning face, an angry face to indicate their current mood. This app has several other pages that students can scroll through - pages that display colors, seasons, numbers, letters, weather, etc. I have used this app with clients that do not communicate verbally to ask them what the weather is, how they are feeling, what color their shirt is, etc. It is a very effective tool! 
• We have a variety of generalized interactive educational apps that are designed to help students learn and practice reading, writing, math, science, and fine motor skills. 

This is just a tiny snapshot of the plans we have for these new devices at Longmont CLS. Not only are these devices customizable to every client, classroom, and job site, but they are just fun. The apps are engaging and students will be able to practice skills at their own pace. I cannot wait to see what the Longmont teachers and job coaches do with these devices, the possibilities are endless. I will report back with success stories soon - stay tuned!

Rebecca's Birthday Celebration

Last Friday was Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Rebecca’s birthday. Here are a couple of nice pictures from her day, which included lunch at 3 Margaritas and getting flowers from roommate Mandy. Looks like it was a great birthday!

Happy Birthday, Rebecca!

Wishing the happiest of birthdays today to Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Rebecca. Make it a great one, Rebecca!

Guess Who's Touring The SmartHomes?

Scheduled to tour the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder tomorrow are representatives from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), including Suzanne Brennan, Barbara Ramsey, Laurel Karabatsos, Kathleen Newberg, and Jed Ziegenhagen. The group will be given information on the history of the origin and philosophy behind establishing the homes, an overview of the technology used inside and outside the homes, how the use of technology helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) live more independently, how the use of technology improves quality of life of individuals with I/DD, and how the use of technology assists the provider in more efficiently providing support.

Introducing Karen

We’d like to introduce you to Karen, who now calls the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome “HOME.” 

After many years of living independently in her community, Karen found herself living in a nursing home due to an unexpected health event. Upon moving into a nursing home, many thought that she would reside there for the remainder of her life.

Thankfully Karen, who works hard to stay optimistic, thought otherwise.

When the opportunity to move into the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome was presented to her, she was excited about a fresh start.

Karen enjoys reading, thanks to her nook e-reader that allows her to manipulate font size to suit her needs. She is also eager to take advantage of the many technologies within her new home. She looks forward to using the inductive cook-top and prompting system to refresh her interest in cooking, so that she can cook for her family and friends.

Technology Tuesday

This week’s Technology Tuesday comes from Imagine!’s Assistive Technology Lab facilitator Stephanie Tilley shares five apps for tablets and mobile devices that may benefit individuals with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stephanie is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who has worked for Imagine! for more than 10 years, and is the author of “101 Adapted Games for Kids,” which provides adaptations for children’s activities to create inclusive activities and environments. 

This week I’d like to highlight a program that we use on the computer called Boardmaker Studio. Boardmaker Studio is part of a family of programs which include Boardmaker, Boardmaker Plus, Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamic Pro, and Boardmaker Studio. Boardmaker Studio is a design program that lets you make and adapt curriculum materials for clients who need symbols to support their participation. Teachers and staff can use the program to make computer activities or printed materials. There is also access to an online community that allows teachers to share templates or projects that have been made using Boardmaker. Many of the activities shared include schedules or teaching on life skills topics.

We have used the program in a variety of ways, but there are two ways that I would like to highlight. First, we are using Boardmaker on the computer during our cause and effect class. This class is set up to help teach and support clients in learning the basic communication by pressing switches to activate preferred activities. I was able to set up a variety of activities individualized to the different client’s preferences using the Boardmaker Studio program.

 Another way that we have used the software is to set up a printed schedule for a client to use at work. We took pictures of supplies that are used in his work setting to help him complete his work. Each of these real life pictures was imported into the Boardmaker Studio software and organized into schedules. The schedules were printed and laminated and combined into a book for the client. Each day he gets his book, looks at the supplies that he needs to gather, and starts on his cleaning schedule. He can reference the book throughout the day and complete his job more thoroughly and more independently.

Presentable

Imagine!'s Director of Operations Greg Wellems closed out the 2014 ANCOR Technology Summit and Showcase on Friday, October 10th by presenting on Assistive Technology in the Workplace with Dr. Cathy Bodine Executive Director, Assistive Technology Partners and Ray Grott, Director, The RET Project.

A Trip To Ned To See The Fall Colors

oday’s post and photos come from Keysha Torres, who works at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

“On Saturday, September 28th, we as a house took a day trip up to Nederland for a picnic and to look at all the leaves change colors. We started by stopping at the store and picking some healthy lunch options for the day before making our way up. We took our time driving and had all our windows down so everyone could enjoy the views and nice warm weather that day. When we got up to Nederland we drove around until we found the best spot to have our picnic. We also at that time took bets on what everyone thought the temperature of the water would be like. The guesses ranged from freezing to slightly chilled. Everyone ate their lunch and did tons of talking and some story telling. They all seemed to be enjoying the day, even if there were a TON of flies everywhere. Before we left staff members treaded into the water to see who exactly had won the bet about how cold it was. FYI, freezing won. We gathered up some water in an empty bottle we had and let everyone else wet their hands, head, or feet, which ever they chose so they could all decide how could it was. Freezing still won. We made our way slowly down again still enjoying the day, when we all got home everyone couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had up in Nederland and how they would all love to do it again real soon.” 

Presentable

Tomorrow, Imagine! SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems will be presenting on Assistive Technology in the Workplace at the 2014 ANCOR Technology Summit and Showcase. Get a sneak peak of his presentation below.

 

Gerald And Donna’s New Home

Some bittersweet news today.

Longtime residents of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder Donna and Gerald have moved out of that home and into Imagine!’s brand new Santa Fe Group Home in Broomfield. They have fondly named the new home their “Home-in-the-Country.” Although both Donna and Gerald miss living at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome, they agreed that the wide-open space surrounding their new rural home, the horses, goats and peace and quiet win hands down over noisy Iris Avenue in Boulder. Don’t worry, though - we’ll still share information about their adventures as they continue to act as ambassadors for our organization and the people we serve.

Read more about the move here.

Donna out in front of her new home

Gerald enjoys his awesome new view

Imagine!'s Santa Fe Group Home

Technology Tuesday

A team of Imagine! employees, in conjunction with Joe Morelli, the Director of Strategic Planning and Internal Financial Review for Living Resources Corporation, and Laurie Dale, the Director of Information Technology for Ability Beyond, have been collaborating on a project for the last five months. The goal of the project is to create a site assessment tool for evaluating the technological needs of a residential environment.

The tool looks at accessibility features, health and safety, staffing efficiencies, and the regulatory process. This tool will help organizations identify, budget for, and prioritize existing technologies that will impact the site for greater client independents, documentation ease and accuracy, and increased safety.

The assessment will focus on the relationship between the ability level of the residents, the supervision requirements of the setting, historical patterning, present and future concerns, and particular technologies. Using those criteria, the tool will create a hierarchical report of specific technologies based on these areas of application: Health and Safety; Preventative; Accessibility; Remote Supports; Regulatory and Staff Supports; and Efficiency. Imagine! and our partners hope this tool will assist organizations to better access, determine, and understand technological applications that could benefit the people they serve, as well as support the Direct Care Professionals supporting them.

The first draft of the tool will be highlighted in a presentation by Imagine!’s own SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems at the Coleman Institute’s Fourteenth Annual Conference on Cognitive Disability and Technology this Thursday.

Gov. Hickenlooper Declares Assistive Technology Awareness Week

Thank you Governor Hickenlooper for issuing this proclamation!

GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this fifth day of October, 2014 

John W. Hickenlooper 

Governor 

WHEREAS, assistive technology devices are any item that are used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities; and 

WHEREAS, assistive technology services are any services that directly assist an individual in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device; and 

WHEREAS, Coloradoans of all ages may need assistive technology devices and services to live independently and productively, as well as to participate fully in the affairs of their communities; and

WHEREAS, assistive technology devices allow people to work, attend school, and live regular, complete, and purposeful lives; 

Therefore, I, John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim October 5-11, 2014, 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AWARENESS WEEK

Presentable

Next week, Imagine!’s SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems will be presenting at the Fourteenth Annual Coleman Institute National Conference on Cognitive Disability and Technology on “Using a Site Based Assessment to Identify Technology.”

Good luck, Greg!

Guess Who's Touring The SmartHomes?

Next week, 25 participants in the 2014 ANCOR Technology Summit & Showcase will be touring the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder to see first-hand how technology is changing the way services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are being delivered.

Learn more about the conference here. 

Anthony And Stacey Visit Blackhawk

This past weekend, Charles Family Smarthome residents Anthony and Stacey embarked on their first vacation together to Blackhawk, CO where they enjoyed great food, casino entertainment, and a classy hotel stay! The weekend was filled with lots of laughter and they both enjoyed experiencing the beautiful Colorado Rockies in fall. Thank you to all the staff and friends that made this vacation possible!