Guess Who's Touring The SmartHomes?

Last Thursday, Shawn Criscito, from Pennsylvania’s McGuire Memorial, which provides comprehensive services to people with developmental and physical disabilities, toured Imagine!’s Charles Family SmartHome. At McGuire Memorial, almost every individual served has their own iPad, as well as their own Apple TV. They are also utilizing devices like the eye-gaze Tobii/Dynavox i15, other touch Dynavox devices, Switchamajig, Powerlink, and wired and Bluetooth switches. The tour gave Shawn, SmartHomes guru Greg Wellems, and Imagine! Technology Architect Chris Baumgart the opportunity to share ideas, lessons learned, and discuss what’s next in the world of technology and services for individuals with a variety of disabilities.

Technology Tuesday

For today’s Technology Tuesday, we thought we’d share a picture of Imagine! Charles Family SmartHome resident Toby using a button to control a YouTube video of a Denver Broncos game through a USB interface switch during an Imagine! CORE/Labor Source Communication Class. Way to go Toby!

Teaching A Therapy Dog New Tricks

Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome residents have a volunteer therapy dog named Piper come once a week on Thursdays to visit. The residents love teaching Piper the Therapy Dog new tricks. Lana recently taught Piper how to dance! Thanks to Site Supervisor Shannon Bundy for sharing the picture below.

Support The Innovations Fall Formal

Imagine!’s Innovations department (which oversees Imagine!'s SmartHomes) is hosting a crowdfunding campaign for its Second Annual Innovations Fall Formal! The Innovations team hopes to raise $1,500.00 to create a festive event that is as spectacular and memorable as the individuals served by Imagine!.

The Fall Formal, scheduled for October 23, is a celebration for all of the individuals who receive services from Innovations. It promises to be a fun and social atmosphere full of dancing, friends, and community, and YOU can make it happen!

Your gifts will pay for a live band, a photo booth, nutritious snacks, and masquerade-themed decorations. Check out the video below to learn more, and then please consider clicking here to donate. Please feel free to share with your friends and loved ones!

Can’t see the video? Click here.

Thank you for helping us make this the best formal event ever!

Technology Tuesday

Imagine! is participating in a pilot project testing WaiverMarket.com to see if it offers a way for individuals and families to research provider agencies and the services they provide.

Rather than write a long description of the project, I thought I’d use technology and create a short video explaining what we’re doing, and what we hope to achieve. Enjoy!

Can’t see the video? Click here.

Mandy and Stacy Show Off Their Acting Chops

Yesterday Mandy, who lives in the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome, and Stacy, who lives in the Charles Family SmartHome, participated in the filming of a video for the Longmont Department of Public Safety. The video will be about accessible parking spaces and the importance of citizens respecting those spaces and leaving them open for those who really need to use them.

You can see them in the pictures below with Brian, who is directing the video.

We’re not sure if there is a category in the Academy Awards for local Public Service Videos, but if so, we’re voting for Mandy and Stacy for “Best Actresses.”

Technology Tuesday

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has proclaimed the week of September 14-18 as Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week. DSPs are the heart and soul of Imagine!, and we are so grateful for their dedication to our mission and the people we serve.

So for today’s Technology Tuesday post, we’d like to invite you to revisit some previous Technology Tuesdays featuring DSPs associated with Imagine! who have used technology in ways that improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Below is a short video featuring Imagine! Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Johnny and Site Supervisor Shannon Bundy sharing how they are using an iPad app to overcome language barriers and communicate effectively.

Can’t see the video? Click here. 

Check out another video about using technology to improve communication, featuring Alicia Nelson and her friend Tommy.
  Can’t see the video? Click here. 

Kelly Faus used technology in a variety of ways to open the doors to musical expression for individuals in Imagine! CORE/labor Source classes. Below, enjoy an original video the students created for a song they wrote themselves.

Can’t see the video? Click here. 

These are just a few examples of how Imagine! DSPs have embraced technology as a way to enhance services. There are plenty more - every day DSPs are making a huge difference in the lives of those withe cognitive challenges. So if you see an Imagine! DSP this week (or any DSP, for that matter), please pat them on the back, give them a high five, or just say “thanks.”