Family and program speakers say assistive technology has helped an individual gain independence; Department of Developmental Services encourages families to ask

A parent and an individual receiving services described how simple assistive technologies have increased independence and eased family concerns, and a representative of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services urged families to learn about available supports.

The parent said their son, Jacob, "fell in love with the place" and later made the move; the parent added that "the fact that Jacob can do these things through the technology is calming for me," noting the devices have given the family "peace of mind." An unidentified resident who uses the technology described using two voice-activated "Googles" to control lights, the TV and an Xbox, saying, "I use Google to turn off the living room lights, and I use Google to turn off the bedroom lights." The resident also said, "I feel safe in this environment" and that they can "go and come as I please."

A program staff speaker described how people who receive services are often told what to do and when to do it, and said assistive technology is valuable because it can be tailored to a person's specific challenges. The staff member listed examples, including specialized computer hardware and software, screen readers, communication programs, wheelchair ramps and lifts, smartwatches, hearing aids, pill dispensers, emergency buttons, microwave and stove sensors, tablets, doorbell sensors with fingerprint access, bed sensors and motion sensors. "There's a solution for every fear, for every insecurity that a parent has," the staff member said, adding that technology can allow people to live the life they choose rather than a life chosen for them.

A representative of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services recited the agency's mission, saying the department "is to partner with individuals and their families to create meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities," and directed listeners to the department's website for more information. No formal policies, funding amounts, or regulatory changes were announced in the recording.

The recording mixes first-person accounts and program-level description: family members emphasized relief and improved communication (texts between the resident and relatives), the resident emphasized practical daily independence (voice control of household devices and increased mobility), and program staff emphasized the breadth of assistive-technology options and the alignment with the department's mission. The testimonial ends with an informal closing from the resident, signaling the end of the segment.