BY MARCIA LEBEAU / JULY 30, 2025
Life | Home | Tech (LHT) has been busy teaching enabling technology classes to clients of JESPY House, one of several community partners. These classes are made possible by a generous grant from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey (HFNJ). It has been a rewarding experience to bring technology solutions for daily and independent living to more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, it was a pleasure working with the staff at JESPY who thoughtfully selected participants and locations to align with the classes.
The series kicked off with a “Chill Out” class at JESPY House’s Maplewood Day Center.
During the session, participants were guided through a series of relaxing exercises utilizing different types of enabling technology. Some favorite devices included the back and neck massagers and “The Tapping Solution” relaxation app demonstrated on an iPad. A replica of an AI companion pet was cuddled by various participants throughout the class. After the class, many exclaimed how happy and relaxed they felt as they downloaded the apps.
The second class, “Turn on Your Light” was held at Tico’s Gym in South Orange.
With the room dimmed to show lighting solutions, participants enjoyed a glow-filled session exploring technology designed to improve safety and convenience, both inside and outside their homes. After the technology had been introduced and demonstrated, each attendee got a portable light that served as a buzzer for our “Game Show.” Participants were asked what light they would use in different scenarios. When they knew the answer, they clicked on their light, answered, and got a prize! The session concluded with a lively dance party featuring all the lights including the Sunrise Alarm clock, which provided multi-colored mood lighting to accompany its music. A joyful and illuminating hour was spent with new JESPY friends.
The final class, “Cook with Us,” brought the series to a delicious end in one of JESPY House’s residential kitchens. Participants prepared and enjoyed a Jiffy Pop snack and One-Pot Rice and Beans dish on induction cooktops. It was gratifying to see an induction cooktop actively in use from an earlier tech recommendation by LHT at that location. One participant, who uses it daily, was able to demonstrate and program it with ease. An automatic jar and can opener were also highlighted, which quickly became popular among JESPY staff, who were ready to put them on their wish lists. The cooking class filled hearts and bellies now that even more people with IDD have learned about enabling technology to enhance their lives.
