Road to Responsibility, a nonprofit organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is putting the finishing touches on a “smart home” at one of their group homes in Norwell serving people with complex needs. Assistive technology will be implemented to promote client independence.
The home will be run primarily through products that can be enabling using Amazon Alexa voice commands, including window blinds, lights, mirrors, appliances, televisions, robot vacuums, doorbells, automatic trash containers, iPads and thermostats. Other mechanisms controlled by assistive technology will include mattress pads that monitor sleep, pens that read text aloud, a microwave braille overlay and a number of entertainment-related devices.
Installation of the devices is anticipated over the next several weeks, at which time Road to Responsibility will hold an open house at the group home.
This creative approach to support residential clients is made possible through funding by the Pilgrim Bank Foundation, the HarborOne Foundation and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.
“Our ‘smart house’ is certain to promote residents’ independence tremendously,” said Christopher White, CEO of Road to Responsibility. “We are beyond grateful to our sponsors for providing the funding to make it all happen and look forward to seeing this amazing technology in use.”
