MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Marion Rotary Club Foundation has awarded the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) a grant to create a space introducing “smart” technology and adaptive equipment to families. The space simulates a home environment where families can explore innovative ways technology and equipment can provide independent solutions.
Designed with people of Marion County with developmental disabilities in mind, the space also benefits seniors and the general disabled population. MCBDD Superintendent Cheryl Plaster announced that the board received a $12,500 grant to create an area resembling a home, featuring various technologies and adaptive equipment. The area has been named the “Smart Space.”
“This grant was exactly what we needed to implement a dream that we have had for some time,” Plaster said. “Many times, the idea of technology supporting people in the home is scary for families and hard to understand. With this new space, we can physically dial a 24/7 call center and get a real person that will be there to support them however they need it.” She added that having the opportunity for families to feel and explore the possibilities will be instrumental in changing mindsets.
The Smart Space includes 24/7 remote monitoring capabilities, a medication dispenser to remind individuals and their caregivers of medications, a smart speaker to perform tasks, give reminders, and help with executive functioning, a mattress shaker to alarm or wake a person who is deaf or hard of hearing in case of an emergency, and many other small but impactful accessibility supports.
Leslie Schneider, chair of the 2023 Rotary grants committee, said, “The committee felt that this was an innovative approach that allows hands-on experiences with technology for those in our community with developmental disabilities. We also liked the focus on independent living for those served by MCBDD.”
Christina Pigg, who receives support from the Marion County Board of DD and is a Technology Ambassador for the state of Ohio, uses technology in her own home and loves it. “If I need a person’s help, I can call them on my tablet and be talking to someone within seconds. It allows me to have so much more freedom and privacy. I love it,” Pigg said of her remote monitoring support. She added that she also has other adaptive equipment that makes daily life easier.
The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities welcomes the community to stop by the County Board to learn firsthand about the technology’s functionality, potential benefits, and its role in fostering independence. The Marion County Board of DD is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all community members are welcome to check out the new Smart Space.
As mentioned above, this technology is an asset to anyone with a disability or the senior population who may need creative ways to stay in their home as long as possible. With a shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in the DD world and the strain on family caregivers that can sometimes result from supporting someone who is aging or has a disability, this technology can be a great way to support people and allow independent living.
The Marion County Board of DD stressed the significance of exploring assistive technology and remote support options as alternatives to increasing a person’s autonomy, independence, and quality of life.
To learn more about MCBDD and the Smart Space and schedule an appointment, visit marioncountydd.org or call 740-387-1035.