Dakota is a young man who desired to live on his own. Dually diagnosed with mental health issues and IDD, he had been hospitalized twice for aggressive behavior that injured other adults. Dakota’s mother, however, knew that with the right natural supports, he could live in a supported community setting rather than in a group home. His team agreed that given his behavioral challenges, living alone could actually be a better option than congregate living.
Read MoreDavid's Vision is David's dream of one day building a log cabin for himself on some family property with his red pickup truck and coon dog by his side. The purpose of David’s Vision is to help others with I/DD to attain safe, affordable independent housing.
Read MoreDakota is a young man who desired to live on his own. Dually diagnosed with mental health issues and IDD, he had been hospitalized twice for aggressive behavior that injured other adults. Dakota’s mother, however, knew that with the right natural supports, he could live in a supported community setting rather than in a group home. His team agreed that given his behavioral challenges, living alone could actually be a better option than congregate living.
Read More“I want to live on my own.” Jackson’s mother heard the words, but wasn’t sure her son understood what that meant. After explaining to him that he would have to cook for himself, remember to take his medication, and get up on time for work, Jackson looked at her and repeated, “I want to live on my own.”
Read MoreLiving independently also allows Sarah to be active in her community and walk to the library when she wants to. “Sarah loves her privacy and loves the peace and quiet of living alone. We have seen such a big difference in her behavior since she now has the freedom to make her own decisions,” says the Independent Living Coordinator.
Read MoreOur friends over at the Charles Lea Center created a video to explain how they use technology to promote independence. Check it out to see how they are using SimplyHome technology to revolutionize the way they care for their clients. http://vimeo.com/107906710
Read MorePearlie has lived in congregate care for most of her adult life. With the assistance of the CLOUD Project in SC, Georgetown County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs was able to offer her the opportunity to have her first home.
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Check out this amazing video of Jonathon and see how he is moving in a positive direction after his accident. We want to give The Charles Lea Center in Spartanburg, SC a big thank you for putting this video together and for sharing it with us. We are so proud to be a small part of Jonathon's independence.
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The Dankners' Story We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with a customer who happens to be the first person in the state of North Carolina to receive our assistive technology funded through the Innovations Waiver.
Read MoreJohnny and Sarah chose to age in place in the same town as their daughter. The active couple enjoys spending time together at home but also have their own hobbies in the community. After Johnny fell one day while Sarah was out, they began looking for “just in case” support.
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A lot has happened to Keefer, 25, since that day in June 2008.
He went back to school, accompanied by his father, Steve, as his caregiver. He graduated from Lock Haven University in May with a degree in recreation management, an A- grade point average and a standing ovation when he went up on stage.
And most notably, he starred on national TV on the reality show “Extreme Makeover Home Edition.” That was after 4,000 volunteers rebuilt his family home in Newberry Twp. in one week in June 2011 to help him become as independent as possible.
Read MoreIn August, the three men, all who use wheelchairs, moved into a home together where they live more independently than ever before.
The house, which is in Cowpens, is a part of the Charles Lea Center’s Residential Services program, in which adult clients with special needs are put into homes that use SimplyHome, made by a North Carolina-based company.
SimplyHome designs and installs wireless technology products geared toward the aging and disabled. The doors open with the push of a button, and the cabinets, microwave and sink in the kitchen are all lower so the men can access them in wheelchairs.
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Zane Garrick can't wait until June. Confined to a wheelchair with cerebral palsy, the 39-year-old will finally move into his first home. Once there, he will be able to open and close doors, control the TV and lights, and cook by himself. He will live more independently than ever before. “I'm excited,” Garrick said. “I want to be able to keep moving. I like being able to do things by myself.”
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