Technology can be life-changing for many people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)— supporting independence, communication, safety, and community connection. This fact is at the heart of JSDD’s Life | Home | Tech (LHT) program and its growing Tech Ambassador initiative, made possible through the generous support of the Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) grant program.
Launched in late 2025, the LHT Tech Ambassador Program brings together a self-selected group of WAE Center members who are “tech savvy” and “tech curious.” The WAE Center is an ideal environment for members to learn about technology in a supportive, peer-driven setting.
- From the beginning, the Tech Ambassadors have helped shape the program.
- Early meetings focused on building “tech confidence” through hands-on learning and group discussion.
- Members explored a variety of devices and talked about how technology could support both their own independence and the needs of others in the community.
- Initial trials included tools such as an electric jar opener and motion-sensor light, along with more advanced technology introduced during a visit to the LHT Demo Home in South Orange.
Experiencing the Demo Home showed the Ambassadors what enabling technology can do. Favorites included the Echo Show, iPad and water sensors, which support communication, organization and household safety. Since then, the program has grown, and Ambassadors have gained knowledge and confidence as educators/presenters. The Tech Ambassadors reached a major milestone recently when they presented enabling technology demonstrations to fellow WAE Center members and staff.
Preparation involved: selecting a device to showcase and practicing explaining how it works and why it can be helpful. While nerves were high beforehand, the presentation quickly became an inspiring celebration of learning, leadership and peer support.
Participants had the opportunity to try a range of technologies including:
- Induction cooktop
- Animatronic therapy dog
- Smart toothbrush
- FaceTime communication tools
Questions poured in from both members and staff. Attendees were especially intrigued by the induction cooktop’s safety features and quick cool-down time, while others loved the comfort and companionship offered by the animatronic dog without the responsibilities of pet ownership. The Ambassadors answered every question with confidence and expertise, demonstrating just how much they had learned.
In addition to developing their presentation skills, the Tech Ambassadors have taken on leadership roles by guiding Demo Home tours for their peers and introducing devices that many participants had never seen before. Through these peer-led demonstrations, Ambassadors shared their firsthand experiences with enabling technology and helped others feel more comfortable exploring new tools for independence and daily living.
The group has also become an important part of the LHT product testing process. Ambassadors have trialed unfamiliar products, evaluated ease of use and who might benefit most from each device, before making recommendations to the LHT team.
Upcoming product testing will include two doorbell systems connected to strobe lights designed to support individuals with hearing loss. After testing both options, the Ambassadors will recommend which device should become part of the LHT demo collection.
Being a Tech Ambassador has made an impact on the members, and it is also a wonderful time to socialize and have a good time.
"Product testing was so cool. I got to try out something new and learn a lot. It was fun."
“I use the Echo Show to learn whatever information I want. I just don't like their corny jokes!”
Families have seen the impact of the ambassador’s work on their loved ones:
“Patrick really enjoys tech and is always trying to figure out how he can make it work for him. He is proud to be a Tech Ambassador in the program.”
“Patrick has always been interested in any tech, whether it’s high tech or low tech, that may be beneficial for him or others like him to be as independent as possible. He has often said that he would like to be able to be a product tester to see if any new technology or product would be helpful. So being an ambassador is right up his alley. Thank you for giving him the opportunity to be a part of the tech ambassador program.”
The Tech Ambassador Program continues to evolve as participants gain skills, explore new devices, and discover their strengths as leaders and teachers. Future-plans include additional presentations, community outreach opportunities, and peer-led technology education.
This growth would not be possible without the generous support of the Inclusive Healthy Communities grant program and the Division for Disability Services, along with the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey and the Grotta Fund for Older Adults. Their commitment to innovation, inclusion and community partnerships is helping make technology more accessible—and empowering individuals with disabilities to take the lead.
The LHT team and Tech Ambassadors look forward to expanding the program and sharing their knowledge with the broader community.
For more information, or to schedule an enabling technology presentation from LHT, please contact LHT Director Susan Nasberg-Abrams at SNasbergAbrams@jsdd.org or the website www.lifehometech.org.