JSDD: Life | Home | Tech staff, Susan Nasberg-Abrams, Aubrie George and Jessica Goldstein attended the Open Minds 2025 Conference in Philadelphia. The event brought together innovators, service providers, and thought leaders from across the country to discuss how technology is transforming the way people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and older adults live, learn, and thrive.
The Life | Home | Tech team participated in a range of engaging sessions, including Independence Reimagined, Cooking with Confidence, Smarter Care at Lower Costs Showcasing the GrandCare Touch Screen, Innovating Independence for the IDD Population, and Redefining Independence – Using Technology for Human Support. Each session provided fresh insights into how enabling technology promotes safety, confidence, and autonomy for individuals while supporting caregivers and service providers.
In addition to the educational sessions, the team met with numerous vendors who showcased cutting-edge tools and devices designed to enhance daily living, communication, and personal empowerment.
The conference was exciting and packed with information. The team left feeling inspired and affirmed in their understanding that enabling technology represents the future of care and support for adults with IDD and older adults.
Technology will never replace the human connections that exist between friends, families, and caregivers—but it can significantly enhance those relationships and help people live more independently and meaningfully.
This invaluable learning experience was made possible through the generous support of The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey whose vision for the future aligns closely with JSDD’s vision of empowering individuals through innovative, person-centered technology solutions.