Expanding Independence Through Innovation
JSDD: Life | Home | Tech Launches Enabling Technology Partnership with
Kean University Department of Occupational Therapy
JSDD is proud to announce a new partnership between its Life | Home | Tech (LHT) Enabling Technology Initiative and the Occupational Therapy Program at Kean University, made possible through funding from the Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) grant program. This collaboration represents an exciting step forward in JSDD’s mission to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in living more independently and achieving their personal goals.
Life | Home | Tech will work together with Kean University’s Occupational Therapy (OT) faculty and graduate students to expand the reach and impact of enabling technology within JSDD. This partnership will focus on identifying ways that occupational therapy can refine procedures within the LHT process, including assisting in the development and launch of remote support homes. Residential remote support is a model that integrates technology to promote safety, autonomy, and confidence in daily living.
To kick off the partnership, Susan Nasberg Abrams, Life | Home | Tech’s Manager, recently met with Kean’s OT doctoral students to introduce them to JSDD and the mission of Life | Home | Tech. Her presentation shared examples of enabling technology already transforming lives at JSDD, including:
- Kitchen tools that support safer, more accessible cooking
- Aids for memory and organization that promote daily independence
- Smart home solutions that enhance safety and accessibility
- Technology devices that foster connection and joy for a more fulfilling life
Susan also introduced and detailed the concept of remote supports, an emerging area of enabling technology that allows individuals to live more independently with tailored assistance. Further explaining that these can include sensors, two-way communication, and both planned and as-needed check-ins—ranging from a few hours a day to overnight support. “Remote support,” she noted, “is about supporting as needed rather than just in case,” emphasizing the goal of empowering individuals to lead self-directed lives with technology as a safety net.
“We were so excited to have Susan from Life | Home | Tech join our students to speak about opportunities to collaborate on integrating enabling technology and innovative techniques to foster functional independence and enhance quality of life for our community members. This offers a unique and exciting opportunity for all involved!”
The partnership will include individual assessments, education, and the development of innovative approaches to integrating technology into daily routines. By working alongside LHT’s team, OT students will gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing to sustainable, person-centered solutions for JSDD members and residents.
Susan also recognized the vital role of IHC, whose commitment to promoting the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities—and to building sustainable, community-driven change through innovative local programs—made this initiative possible.
As JSDD and Kean University embark on this exciting collaboration, Life | Home | Tech continues to advance its vision of using technology to unlock potential, foster independence, and support a happier, more connected life for every individual served.