August 2019 at MHDS

We’re gearing up for the Bob Brown Memorial Golf Tournament on September 20, 2019!

Click here to get more details and see how to register your team of four for the tournament this year!

 

MHDS Incorporates Technology to Make Persons Supported Feel At Home

As technology has become more affordable and the benefits of using it to safeguard homes and their occupants become more apparent, natural use of electronics in residential homes for persons with disabilities has emerged. “When you consider giving a person more independence and extending the usefulness of their living environment, it becomes easier to turn to technology for solutions,” stated MHDS Chief Operations Officer, Nora Buckley, who has directed this project.

We started with an electronic doorbell at our office to see if it had a practical application in our residential program. There was some initial concern about our person’s willingness to use it. Those concerns were quickly put aside as they not only embraced the technology but enjoyed it. At first, we thought it was just the novelty of being able to see who was at the door on a tablet that was appealing. Then we added smart plugs to turn on lamps with a voice command and installed a device that could play music on request in the room. As they continued to ask to use the technology without being prompted, we knew they were feeling an improvement in the quality of their lives because of it.

Once we knew they were embracing the digital advances, it became easier to start anticipating how we could use them in their homes. We converted one home through a program with the Tennessee Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) which was our learning curve. Now we’ve just completed our first home using our own resources. As we’ve shown the persons we support the two homes upgraded with technology, they’re asking when they can have it in their own homes.

“It was a real eye-opener to watch how readily they accepted that a camera and tablet could offer them security and independence at the same time,” reflected Nora. “It made us start thinking on an individual to individual basis which elements of the technology would benefit which person supported the most.” Automatic on/off lights that create a clear path to the restroom in the middle of the night, ceiling fans that come on when motion is detected, a device that will play games with you, being able to find your favorite TV station with a voice command, a stove that will turn off if it doesn’t detect motion after a pre-defined number of minutes, a refrigerator that will recognize the contents and offer you meal recipes with them and the ability of staff to monitor activity in a home they are not present in are just a few of the tech innovations we’re using so far. The possibilities are truly endless.

“Staff continues to see the practical ways having the technology in the homes is helping the persons supported and them,” shared Amy Curtis, Director of Residential Services. Staff can monitor persons supported as they sleep to ensure they are resting well or hear them easier if they become distressed and need assistance. As everyone becomes more comfortable with operating the devices, we’re seeing some really creative ways it’s being used to improve processes and communications. “We never anticipate that technology can replace human oversight but the combination is giving us flexibility and opportunities to improve our system of care every day,” Amy continued.

“We’re definitely of the mindset that employing technology is the latest advancement in service delivery,” commented Chief Executive Officer, Bill Brewer. “I’ve been in this program for over 40 years and this may be the most defining change I’ve witnessed. Our mission has always been “Advancing the Quality of Life.” The use of technology in the everyday lives of those we support is the next step in keeping true to our mission.”

“The biggest barrier we have from transforming homes now is cost,” emphasized Bill. “The majority of the persons we support do not have available funds for these purchases. So anyone wishing to make a donation to help us provide more technology would be greatly appreciated.”

You may make a donation through PayPal using the Donate Here button on the left of our home page or by clicking here. “Utilizing technology in our residential program is providing freedoms and independence for the persons we support unlike we could have imagined 10 years ago,” shared Bill. “An investment in providing those resources to allow our individuals to keep pace with others who use technology in their everyday lives is truly money well spent.”

By now you know that we love sharing the good news of our Supported Employment program and the success stories we have. This month we’d love to share Mario’s story with you.

Mario has been having wonderful success at Kroger and his supervisor has nothing but good things to say about him and his work. Check out his story in the Supported Employment Spotlight!