Independence, Advocacy, Connection, and Empowerment Through Innovation: The Benefits of Technology Enabled Services for People with Disabilities

By Adam Christensen, Vice President of Programs, Easterseals Midwest

Physicist Dr. Michio Kaku aptly demonstrated our advancements in such a relatively short window of time by saying “Today, your cell phone has more computer power than all of NASA in 1969, when they placed two astronauts on the moon.”

The advancement of technology has significantly impacted various aspects of our day-to-day life. In fact, 50 years ago the first personal computer emerged in 1974. The Altair 8800 was sold via mail order in hobbyist magazines before Apple and IBM came into the fold. Now, in 2024, our advancements include pocket-sized mobile devices that have stronger processing power than ever before. We are equipped with generative artificial intelligence technology that will change the scope of how we live.

Today, your cell phone has more computer power than all of NASA in 1969, when they placed two astronauts on the moon.

One of the most transformative areas that technology improved has been providing support for people with disabilities. These technologies offer a range of benefits that enhance the quality of life, promote independence, and foster connectedness and social inclusion, as well as provide the right support at the right time. Easterseals Midwest has centered on technology as one of our strategic goals, so naturally, we are excited at the prospect of empowering the individuals we support to live more independent lives through these innovations.

Easterseals Midwest maintains that our core values are to empower, advocate, connect, and innovate in our mission to support our communities in the Midwest.

Missouri is a Technology First state. This designation means that the state prioritizes the use of technology solutions when evaluating the need for direct support services. The goal is to enhance the independence, safety, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities by leveraging technology such as medication reminders, environmental sensors, and communication systems that connect individuals with remote support staff, family, and friends.??

Missouri's initiative involves promoting the use of assistive technology and remote support options, which have been available since 2012 but were not widely utilized or promoted until more recent efforts. The State has organized events like "Tech Fests" to educate individuals, families, and service providers about available technological solutions and their benefits. These efforts have helped increase awareness and adoption of technology-based supports.

For many people with disabilities, communication can be a major challenge. Assistive communication advancements such as speech-generating devices and communication apps have revolutionized the way individuals express themselves. These tools allow for better interaction with family, friends, and caregivers, reducing frustration and enhancing social integration. The advances of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices enable non-verbal individuals to communicate effectively through symbols, text, or synthesized speech. The ability to read is now supported through the emergence of smart glasses that dictate words on a page for the wearer.

Educational technologies tailored to the needs of individuals we support provide personalized learning experiences. Interactive software, educational apps, and adaptive learning platforms that adjust to the user’s pace and level of understanding, making learning more accessible and engaging. Programs on the market offer interactive learning experiences that cater to different learning styles and abilities, making education more inclusive.

Offering tools that assist with daily living are a vital key to our empowering supports. From smart home devices to wearable technology, these innovations help individuals manage tasks that were previously challenging. Smart home systems can be programmed to perform tasks such as turning lights on and off, turning off ovens and stovetops, adjusting thermostats, or reminding users of appointments. This can be done by the individual via a smart device or by a remote support staff that assists and monitors for safety.??

Automated medication dispensers have blossomed into such user-friendly devices. Many individuals we support that have historically not been comfortable administering their own medications are now meeting new goals in independence; taking fuller roles in their own medication management. Easterseals can tailor our role based on the individual need - meaning the people we serve are able to rely less on our traditional staff supports.????

Safety is also a primary concern for people with disabilities and their families, but dignity of risk is just as important. This is the fundamental idea that taking informed risks is essential to learning new things and supporting autonomy for people with disabilities. Risk should be balanced with ensuring proper care and supports for those we support. Technology provides solutions to many of these risks that enhance safety through monitoring and emergency response systems. GPS devices and wearable emergency alert systems allow caregivers to monitor the location and status of individuals, ensuring quick responses in case of emergencies.

Social isolation has a significant negative impact on our health, increased risk for heart disease and stroke, greater likelihood of depression and anxiety, early death, poor mental health, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, just to name a few. And while many support groups, peer events, and engagement opportunities exist within Easterseals, many may prefer social media platforms, virtual reality (VR), and online communities to ease the risk of social anxiety. Technology can provide opportunities for online social interaction and engagement fostering a sense of belonging and reducing isolation. Online groups have flourished in recent years with the saturation of Zoom and Teams being used more often. Virtual reality headset devices provide experiences that can simulate social scenarios, helping individuals practice social skills and explore employment opportunities in a safe and controlled environment.??

Telehealth and mobile health applications have expanded access to healthcare for individuals with disabilities. These technologies enable remote consultations, health monitoring, and personalized wellness programs. One such support is StationMD, an online physician service that is dedicated to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other vulnerable populations. The implementation of this platform has resulted in an exponential decrease in Urgent Care and Emergency room visits. The ability to triage a sore throat or a rash from the comfort of your own home is now at our fingertips. Additionally, Telehealth services allow individuals to consult with specialists, for example meeting with a care provider in a virtual space for Psychiatric care.

These advancements in Technology Enabled Services are empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling and autonomous lives, bridging gaps that once seemed insurmountable.

These advancements in Technology Enabled Services are empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling and autonomous lives, bridging gaps that once seemed insurmountable. As technology continues to evolve, it promises even greater possibilities for enhancing the lives of the individuals we support, making the world a more inclusive place for everyone.

That’s why Easterseals is working to intertwine Technology Enabled Services through every program we provide. From augmentative and alternative communication devices for children with autism to virtual reality job training for young adults; automated medication devices in independent homes to telehealth supports for families and individuals.

Adam Christensen has 25 years of experience empowering, advocating, and innovating on behalf of the ID/DD Community. He joined Easterseals Midwest in 2009 and now acts as the Vice President of Programs for the organization.

References:

https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/technology-first

https://dmh.mo.gov/node/17396

https://www.nasddds.org/missouri-to-become-technology-first-state/

https://disabilitycocoon.com/blog/2020/1/27/missouris-technology-first-year-one