Johnson County developmental supports seeks $700,000 reallocation for assistive-technology lab and home upgrades

Johnson County Developmental Supports asked commissioners at an April 3 agenda review to place on the April 10 docket a resolution reallocating $700,000 of fund reserves for assistive-technology projects, including a demonstration lab at the Elmore Center, sensor and communication upgrades in residential homes, and replacement or repair of shredding equipment used in county-supported competitive employment.

Crystal Naim, chief financial officer for Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS), said the JCDS advisory board approved the use of excess reserves in February and that the projects align with the agency’s mission to expand choice and independence for people with disabilities. “The technologies we're talking about are sensors and smart technology that most of us already have in our pockets, in our homes, in our workplace,” Naim said, describing plans for an assistive-technology lab where clients can try devices and for smart-home tools that will allow some remote support and reduce on-site staff needs.

Naim said the initiatives include: constructing an assistive-technology workspace at the Elmore Center led by county facilities; rolling out noninvasive sensors, smart appliances and communication devices in three residential homes identified as candidates; and replacing or repairing shredding equipment used in a document-destruction business that currently employs 13 people with disabilities. She said consulting services from Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LAD), provided through a grant awarded to LAD in January 2024, informed the county’s technology recommendations.

On funding, Naim said JCDS reserves are “very strong” and projected at roughly 22% for the fiscal year; the JCDS policy target is 8–12%. She said using $700,000 would reduce estimated reserves to about 20%, which JCDS staff said still exceeds policy targets by roughly $3 million. Naim told commissioners the state grant the agency applied for last year was competitive and not awarded, so the request relies on reserves.

Commissioners praised the proposal’s emphasis on independence and potential redeployment of staff to revenue-generating services, and asked about facilities management for the lab’s construction. Facilities staff will manage construction with outside trade and supply vendors, JCDS staff said. The resolution (032-25) was presented for placement on the April 10 agenda; formal action was not taken at the agenda review.