Smart Home Technology: Independence Off the Shelf?

At SimplyHome, we love smart home technology. It’s exciting to watch new developments in smart tech unfold – from smart light bulbs to smart vacuums and smart ovens! With so many smart home options available, we’re not surprised by the question that we sometimes get: Can’t I just buy something off the shelf?

This is a great question. When is it the right thing to simply buy Grandma an Amazon Echo? Do you have to be tech-savvy to set up and use smart home devices? When do you need the level of customization that SimplyHome offers in its systems?

Where Are They Now? Laura and Vicki Visit SimplyHome

This week the SimplyHome staff got to visit with two individuals we first met back in 2015! Laura and Vicki, who are best friends and roommates, were part of the transition home program at the Charles Lea Center in South Carolina. With the support of enabling technology and staff supports, they now live in an apartment of their own.

For Individuals, For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., TestimonialsSimplyHomeApril 19, 2019Comment

Creating Her Happy Life: Meet Colleen!

When Colleen moved into a place of her own for the very first time, she was more prepared than many young adults who reach this milestone. From carefully saving her receipts and recording what she spends in her personal ledger to mastering the use of public transportation, Colleen has been working on multiple skill sets to prepare her for this day.

For Individuals, For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., TestimonialsSimplyHomeMarch 25, 2019Comment

Top 5 Websites that Highlight Apps for People with I/DD

In celebration of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, today on our blog we want to share some of the best resources we’ve found as we seek to empower our clients with technology. Here, in no particular order, are SimplyHome’s top 5 websites that highlight awesome apps for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Caregivers, For Individuals, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., Aging in PlaceSimplyHomeMarch 19, 2019Comment

Making Brad's Vision a Reality

With the support of enabling technology, Brad has reached his goal of living on his own, while his parents were able to address their concerns about safety. The video features Brad’s story as well as Tennessee DIDD’s Enabling Technology pilot program.

For Individuals, For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., TestimonialsSimplyHomeMarch 12, 2019Comment

Technology First Movement, Part 2: How to Get Started

So you’ve decided to be Technology First. Now what? This blog post suggests the first steps towards embracing Tech First for organizations – and for individuals.

Part 2 of our discussion on the Technology First movement.

For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab...SimplyHomeJanuary 29, 2019 Comments

Technology First: A Growing Movement in I/DD Services (Part 1)

In our work with organizations that provide services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we are encountering the term “Technology First” more and more. It’s not just a slogan letting you know that a provider uses technology – it’s a movement!

For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab...SimplyHomeJanuary 28, 2019Comment

What Is a Medicaid Waiver, Anyway?

Puzzled by Medicaid waivers? We totally get it. Every day at SimplyHome we work with clients who are navigating the complex world of Medicaid and reimbursement for services. It can get complicated!

Today on our blog, we are featuring a new infographic that gives a basic introduction to Medicaid waivers. There are some great links, too!

Caregivers, For Individuals, Funding, Independent Living, For Organizations, Individuals with Disab...SimplyHomeJanuary 18, 2019Comment

Gerald Finds a Home of His Own (Video from TN DIDD)

Tennessee resident Gerald seems pretty delighted with his new living situation. He cheerfully describes it in a new video from Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

For Individuals, For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., News, TestimonialsSimplyHomeDecember 14, 2018Comment

Special Needs Parenting Podcast Features SimplyHome

SimplyHome’s Jason Ray was the featured guest on a recent episode of LOMAH, a podcast started by Tom and Kim Albrecht, who are raising two daughters, one of whom has an intellectual/developmental disability. As their daughter grows into adulthood, they are gathering and sharing wisdom on parenting children with disabilities.

Caregivers, Children, Funding, Individuals with Disab..., Podcasts/Webinars, For Individuals, Independent LivingSimplyHomeNovember 13, 2018Comment

Intro to Enabling Technology: A Webinar for Alaska and Other States

A great introduction for anyone wanting to learn more about enabling technology. Takeaways from this insightful discussion include: real-life testimonials and success stories; shifting your focus onto outcomes, rather than gadgets; important industry terms like “dignity of risk” and “enabling technology”; insight into how technology and staff supports work together; how the SimplyHome process works.

Tennessee Embraces Technology at TNCO Conference

Conference attendees at TNCO’s “Together Towards Tomorrow” Conference were enthusiastically on board with Tennessee’s movement to include supportive living technologies in services for people with disabilities.

For Individuals, For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab...SimplyHomeNovember 2, 2018Comment

Rooted in Family Support: Aging in Place with Technology

For many seniors, uprooting from home and transplanting to a new setting is their worst nightmare. For this 94-year-old nature lover and master gardener, it simply was never an option.

Aging in Place, Caregivers, For Individuals, Independent Living, TestimonialsSimplyHomeOctober 8, 2018Comment

Top 5 Reasons Voice-First Will Change the Future of Enabling Tech

In the last five years, especially with the arrival of the Amazon Echo in 2014, it has become increasingly obvious that Voice-First technology is going to change enabling technology completely. These speech-enabled interactions, designed for delivery through voice assistant software and voice-activated devices, have already begun to revolutionize care for people who are aging in place or living with disabilities.

Aging in Place, For Organizations, For Individuals, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab...SimplyHomeSeptember 14, 2018Comment

What If Technology Disrupts Your Business Model? (Edge of Aging, Part II)

In the latest episode of the new podcast Edge of Aging, Cooper Linton and Nicole Clagett continue their conversation on in-home technology with Jason Ray, Chief Development Officer for SimplyHome.

Podcasts/Webinars, Press, Independent Living, Aging in Place, Caregivers, Individuals with Disab...SimplyHomeSeptember 7, 2018Comment

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