Amanda Bagby (right), and her father, are happy with Amanda’s experiment with independent living at the TryTech apartments. [Photo from Cuyahoga DD]
Amanda Bagby, a talented 36-year-old artist, jumped at the chance to try out a “smart home,” or technology-assisted apartment, for people with developmental disabilities, called TryTech in the Cranford Apartments in Lakewood. In November 2023, Bagby got to experience the freedom of her own place, even while needing extra help to live independently. Her family had previously always cared for her in their family home.
Like Bagby, 75% of adults with developmental disabilities live with their parents, according to the National Library of Medicine. But as their Baby Boomer parents age, more young adults are working on skills to live more independently. The Bagby family is exploring the growing number of independent and supported living housing options that are available for adults living with developmental disabilities.
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) and North Coast Community Homes, a housing developer specializing in spaces for people with disabilities, launched TryTech in 2022, after years of intense planning. Cuyahoga DD contributed an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and Assistive Technology specialist to the design team. Four apartment units were adapted within an integrated building so that adults with developmental disabilities could try out a technology-assisted home life on a short-term lease, usually three weeks in length, though some stay longer.
By exploring a variety of tools and technologies, TryTech residents get the opportunity to learn how to cook for themselves, communicate safely, take care of laundry, personal care, food shopping, and entertainment, thereby increasing their independent living skills and self-confidence.
Technologies boosts confidence
Michael Moats, Bagby’s assistive technology specialist for her unit, demonstrates and supports the use of assistive devices in every TryTech unit. The unit is fitted with devices such as a smart lock, tablet, a wide screen TV, automatic shut-off cooking equipment and a smart fridge to manage daily tasks. The back entrance and two of the TryTech units are also wheelchair adapted. Remote-control devices, like Alexa, help residents direct their environmental lighting and level of care. Those with physical disabilities can rely on bed lifts, adapted counters and appliances, and even state-of-the-art breath devices.
There are no video cameras monitoring the interior of the unit, but there is an outside Ring doorbell for the safe preview of visitors entering the building. Safe in Home is the service provider, offering live staff assistance via a mounted tablet for immediate problem-solving assistance and emergencies. There is even a pullout chair for an occasional family overnighter.
Whenever Bagby tried out a tool or technology, she documented her questions, frustrations and successes in the Cuyahoga DD TryTech binder. The book recorded her experiences with the tools and devices that worked best for her needs. This information also helps improve the unit experience for future residents.
Some of the technology around the TryTech apartments. [Photos from Cuyahoga DD]
The apartment building is surrounded by Lakewood’s community amenities, like shops and cafes, which makes the location especially inclusive. But residents must learn how to problem solve, ask for help and set boundaries with the outside world.
“Some residents might be particularly vulnerable if they are too agreeable and friendly,” said Moats. Bagby knew her own comfort level and chose not to leave her unit to explore the neighborhood. Her family visited several times to help her adjust. “I was overwhelmed by some technologies, like the smart refrigerator,” she stated.
But her three weeks of independence proved surprising for Bagby and her parents. “I always say everything is ‘nice’. But now I say what I want and don’t want. I am much more confident,” she said. She has even taken on more responsibilities at home. “We never realized how much I can do by myself!”
“It was a very independent time for her – she thrived,” her father told me. “It’s almost like when she first got a tattoo. She started out small and now she’s got more ink than I do!”
He gave an example of her growth. “Two days ago, Amanda called a family meeting. She sits me down and said, ‘I’m putting my foot down and taking care of Mom this week.’ She’s been cooking all week, making her mom’s lunch before work and even gave me chores to do! She’s so independent now, a real blessing to have around.”
Housing choices support independence and growth
My own adult son, Benjamin Hill, living with autism, now age 38, has lived alone successfully in our family home for the past three years. I moved to an apartment so that he could try out Remote Support and various lifestyle technologies in his familiar house and neighborhood. We always had dinner together to stay connected.
I noticed over time that my son’s communication style began to mature gradually through his nightly check-ins on his Safe in Home tablet. He was speaking to staff his age as they described their lives in Arizona and San Francisco. He has just requested a move to a group home this year “to have more people,” as he put it. He truly loved solo living, but like all of us, he now wants to try something new. In today’s broader housing landscape, he can.
“At the County Board, we try to individualize services and meet people where they are,” Dr. Candice Markle, housing specialist at Cuyahoga DD told me. “All adults are different, so we have different types of housing opportunities, from living alone to living with other people. We also offer different ways to support people, from natural family to professional staff check-ins to an intermediate care facility with around-the-clock, hands-on physical support. But whatever the housing option, we build in opportunities for independent skill building and community experience. That’s what led to the development of TryTech.”
Many parents feel they have a lot of time to figure out housing, Markle observed. “To avoid being overwhelmed, families may want to start considering some of these steps, like, are there some technologies out there we can use at home? Are there some decision-making skills that we can practice, like budgeting, shopping online or cooking safety, that would help prepare our kids for next steps?” Markle suggests. Planning for housing in this longer time frame can be helpful in reducing being overwhelmed later on, she said.
Four years ago in 2021, The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) developed a comprehensive plan to increase the number of independent living options for people living with developmental disabilities. It recognized that housing is a strong determinant of health and wellness for everyone, but for those living with a developmental disability, there is an urgent need for housing that is both affordable and accessible.
Right now, Ben and I are exploring three housing options that we’ve never had before. I’m trying to quiet my “mama bear” protectiveness, while Ben’s persuading me that he’s feeling confident enough to try out the options out there. He’s feeling empowered by having the final say. I think that’s the most reassuring message he could ever give me.
For more information:
Families and their young adults are empowered by having choices, according to the Cuyahoga DD. Its website offers growing lists of resources, technologies, services and video examples of the many housing options available for adults.
TryTech Apartments: People with developmental disabilities live in a smart apartment in an integrated building for a short-term lease, allowing them to try out tools and technology they might want to use in their future home life.
Shared Living: In a Shared Living option, young adults live in the home of a friend, a family member, or someone in the community who is paid to provide needed supports.
Living Alone: With a variety of supports, young adults live on their own in a fully integrated apartment building.
Living with a Group of Peers: Living with a group of peers who share expenses and services is another model for adult living.
Living with Others in a Licensed Setting: Licensed Homes offer rotating staff support in a neighborhood.
Technology-assisted homes: In the family home, there are many ways to use technology, from cooking equipment, to remote control devices, to become more independent.
Living in an Intermediate Care Facility: ICF’s offer a structured environment, increased oversight and 24-7 supports.
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