March 13, 2024
Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Fellow Dr. Gina Novario attended as KenCrest’s Enabling Technology Department presented their innovative smart home to stakeholders and community partners. The smart home was renovated to incorporate universal design elements, home adaptations, and smart home technology integration to demonstrate a way of “smarter living” for persons with disabilities. The smart home featured an array of technological and accessibility features, such as biometric smart locks, automated doors, smart kitchen and household appliances, adjustable furniture, accessible countertops, front and rear wheelchair ramps, and more. The smart home demonstrated how innovative solutions can be aesthetically pleasing and accessible to support persons with disabilities to live in their communities, prevent likelihood of institutionalization, and potentially lessen caregiver support.
After the smart home tour, Assistant Vice President of Innovation at KenCrest, Gregg Kelinson, and PA State Representative, Joe Ciresi, led a discussion on the current barriers imposed by the Assistive Technology (AT) funding cap under PA Home and Community Based Service Waivers. The discussion included initiatives on how to remove the AT cap altogether. Representatives from the Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Long-Term Living provided input on logistics of waiver programs and actionable steps for change. The discussion results indicated a need for more detailed data collection on the use of smart home technology for persons with disabilities wishing to live at home and the cost neutrality of using smart home technology.
Learn more about the KenCrest Enabling Technology Department.