Arc Technology Newsletter 2017

imagine For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

www.arcwestchester.org

FEATURED STORIES...

Page 1

What’s In Your Pocket?

Page 2 Our Escort Into The Future

Page 3 Step By Step Creative Tech

Page 4 Easing The Transition Success With Tech

Page 5 Seeing The Difference Employers Honored eDocNY & Digiscribe

Special Technology Edition

What’s In Your Pocket?

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by Richard P. Swierat Executive Director

ven in this age of ever-changing technology, spending money on the newest smart phone or tablet isn’t always necessary. We all own devices that have benefits beyond their familiar uses. It’s about utilizing what you have – and making it work for you. That’s why I like to ask, “What’s in your pocket?”

Here at Arc of Westchester, we’re committed to finding new Are you using technology to ways to use everyday technology to enable choice and support enhance the lives of people you independence for people with developmental disabilities. love or support? Share your That’s why we’re the first Arc chapter to create the position good ideas with us. Contact: of Coordinator of Person-Centered and Cognitive Supports, jjankus@arcwestchester.org. and we’ve appointed Jordan Jankus to lead the way.

Inside this newsletter, you will read more about Jordan and our work to develop programs that use existing apps for tablets, smartphones, GPS, voice recognition devices and more, to make everyday tasks more manageable — and enjoyable.

This new autonomy is a huge advantage in protecting people’s dignity, and in allowing them to mesh seamlessly with society. Young people, for whom peer interaction is so important, especially appreciate being able to pick up a smartphone or use its GPS to get out and about by themselves.

Our tech initiative includes educating our staff on new ways to use technology to support independence and choice. Plus, we’re aggressively networking with other professionals, schools and parents to share knowledge and accelerate the learning curve.

This newsletter is dedicated to exploring the wonders of new technologies from the perspectives of program participants, families, and staff. I know you’ll be inspired!

Page 6 Campaign Update Calling Jordan Jankus Membership

Ric Swierat with young people who are are enrolled in our Choices program.

Our Escort Into The Future:

A Conversation With Jordan Jankus, Arc of Westchester’s Coordinator of Person-Centered and Cognitive Supports.

Q: Do you have a personal relationship with the work

you do?

A: Yes. My daughter, Jessica, has Cerebral Palsy and

severe cognitive challenges, but she is mightily aware, in her own way, of the world around her. She’s 38 years old, and a beautiful redhead with a great sense of humor. Of course, when you have a child with disabilities, you become experts over the years, as my wife and I have.

Q: How does technology enhance your daughter’s life?

A: She’s learned how to use FaceTime video calling

technology to chat with my wife and me from her Arc of Westchester home in Scarsdale. It’s a relief because we can see whether she’s happy or sad. Plus, there are wonderful online games for her developmental age, like vacuuming in a virtual house or washing dishes. Physically, she can’t do these things. It’s a way for her to connect with what I believe she regards is a wonderful life.

Q: Are there tech initiatives for staff, too?

A: I’ve started a series of lunchtime webinars for

staff and parents called “Take a Byte Lunchtime.” They’re half-hour presentations to learn about apps that can be of use to people with disabilities. AHRC NY has a monster database of apps, which we’ve opened to staff. I have regular posts on our Tech Supports for Cognition and Learning web page, which includes an “Apps we Appreciate” section. It’s an exciting learning process.

We’ve also started an informal monthly “Tech Learning Exchange” group with professionals from some Arc chapters and other organizations.

We’ve also partnered with our national organization, The Arc, on a project that’s Jordan and his daughter, Jessica received help from Google and Comcast to develop a “Virtual Coach” site where you can submit a problem and a human being on the other side helps you with a tech solution.

Q: Where does the funding come from for this work?

A: We’re very grateful to Coleman Institute for Cognitive

Disabilities for their generous support. Last year, we were one of six recipients of a grant to promote their Declaration for “The Rights of People with Cognitive Disabilities to Technology and Information Access.” I urge everyone to visit https://www.colemaninstitute.org/declaration and sign the Declaration online. It’s easy to do! Be sure to mention that you heard about it through Arc of Westchester. We need to lobby to change that and signing the declaration can help!

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face?

A: Medicaid usually pays for expensive adaptive

equipment for people with disabilities, but it won’t pay for regular computers or smartphones, or the training to use them — even though these devices cost less and can be life-transforming for people with disabilities.

Q: What’s on your wish list?

A: I want to develop an intranet to train our staff of

800 employees to help streamline our operations and focus on teaching essential life skills for the people we support.

Teaching tech usage needs to be an essential part of our professional development.

And I want families to feel comfortable reaching out to me with questions, requests, ideas, or problems that I might be able to help solve. We all need to communicate and learn from each other. Contact me at jjankus@arcwestchester.org or call me at 914.495.4474.

Q: You’re really breaking new ground, aren’t you?

A: Yes, and there are other Arcs that are doing similar things. We’re all pioneers.

Jordan holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology from New York Medical College.

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For people with cognitive disabilities, technology ma ke Step By Step, To Greater Independence

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or people without disabilities, technology makes things easier, but for people with cognitive disabilities, technology makes things possible.

The key to success is to identify the need, establish the personal goal, and then develop tech solutions to help address both.

video conference, “Tech Learning Exchange,” to share ideas, report successes, and create joint programs to gain funding for technology solutions.

And we’ve developed a new section of our website, “Tech Supports for Cognition and Learning” (www.arcwestchester.org/ technology), to provide tips and links to websites and apps that can provide both low- and high-tech solutions for families.

Because young people are likely to adapt quickly Max Krooks gets a lesson in texting from “Technologist” Jordan Jankus. and benefit most from new technologies, we just You can sample the extensive universe of personal launched our Technology Enhanced Simulated Studio technology by visiting The Arc’s Tech Toolbox™ (TESS) in Mount Kisco. This training site provides a (https://toolbox.thearc.org). This free web-based tool offers technology-rich home/work environment for young adults to help them overcome challenges in their transition to adult a simple drop-down menu system to match technology to the needs of individuals. Arc of Westchester has served as life. (Read more about TESS on page 4.) a testing site for this resource, developed through the Arc of Westchester has developed alliances with other generous support of Comcast and Google. organizations to focus on the use of everyday technology for We have only scratched the surface of how new people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our technologies can help expand the lives of people with partnership with Mercy College has led to our co-hosting autism and other developmental disabilities. We invite the second annual tech conference in Dobbs Ferry, NY, you to take part in this exciting journey of discovery.

“Tech Supports for Cognition and Learning: Everyday To learn more about how Arc of Westchester is leading the Applications & Emerging Trends.” (See Below) way, read the full article published in Autism Spectrum We’ve also joined with 19 individuals from Arc News at arcwestchester.org or email me at chapters and other organizations to launch a monthly jjankus@arcwestchester.org.

Creative Tech Leaders Gather To Ignite Ideas

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t the second annual Tech Supports for Cognition & Learning Conference, professionals, teachers, and family members attend workshops and presentations to learn about affordable personal technology solutions that increase functional independence and integration into the community.

Keynote speaker Dr. Cathy Bodine, Ph.D., teaches in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Colorado and is an internationally recognized leader in the field of

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assistive technology. Dr. Bodine joins other leaders in emerging technologies who shared exciting insights into how simple, affordable devices will be increasingly used as tools for individuals with cognitive-behavioral impairment. Visit arcwestchester.org to learn more.

For information about Arc of Westchester comprehensive services, please contact us at info@arcwestchester.org.

ma kes things possible.

Easing The Transition To Adulthood

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ver the next ten years, an estimated half a million young people with autism will turn 21 and age out of high school, losing their eligibility for services through the NY School System. The stability and structure they have had throughout their lives will end, and there is no equivalent support system to take over.

Our Youth Connection program in Yonkers and our community-based Choices program have been easing the transition to adulthood and employment. Now, we’re doing even more through an exciting new technology space at the Ann Manzi Center in Mount Kisco, NY.

The “Technology Enhanced Simulated Studio” (TESS) provides young adults with a modern, age-appropriate, educational environment. Here, simple, everyday technology (like tablets, laptops, smartphones, game stations, and smart boards) will be used to teach important life skills such as meal preparation, employment preparation, communication and socialization.

Success With Tech Occupational Therapist, Eric Weiss, one of three Mercy College graduates who collaborated at our Borcher House group home, told us how the use of technology helped two residents achieve their personal goals.

Raul’s Challenge: Raul likes to wear

a tie when he goes out – but he can’t tie a Windsor knot. The team set up pre-tied ties that he could put around his neck and pull up.

Then they used the CanPlan app to show him step by step how to make the knot.

Gregory’s Challenge: Gregory wanted to brush his teeth more thoroughly for better hygiene. The team used CanPlan combined with VisTimer, an app that uses a shrinking pie chart to show elapsed time, and a task that was a hurdle became a rewarding routine.

For example, the CanPlan app breaks activities into a sequence of easy-to-follow steps, illustrated by photos and reinforced with optional text and audio. And the First Then Visual Schedule app provides a representation of a routine or activity such as meal preparation. Both help to increase independence and support personal choice.

Young adults can incorporate what they learn into their daily lives. TESS can accommodate up to 12 individuals at one time, helping them move on to a job or to our Without Walls Program, where meaningful activities such as volunteering, exercise and art classes are provided entirely in the community.

The space will also serve 14 to 21 year olds from surrounding schools with an after-school TESS program. Respite, socialization and homework help will be added to recreational activities.

Participants of TESS and their families will also have access to staff with expertise in technology. This way, they can personalize their technological devices and develop plans for utilizing technology in their everyday work and home lives.

Many thanks to The Jack Fanning Memorial Fund Angels for Autism, for generously making TESS possible, and to Julianna Manzi and Brendan Syron who requested that in lieu of wedding gifts, their guests make a gift honoring their special day to Arc of Westchester’s Ann Manzi Center (named in honor of Julianna’s grandmother).

For more information, contact Patty Corbi, Community Day Services Director, at the Ann Manzi Center.

(914) 241-0505 or pcorbi@arcwestchester.org.

TESS is a colorful, modern, state-of-the-art space for youth and young adults.

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Seeing The Difference Through TEACCH – Spotlight On ABB Optical Group

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rc of Westchester’s ongoing partnership with the UNC TEACCH®Autism Program program has resulted in outstanding employment successes. One such example is our placement of a Project Search graduate with ABB Optical Group, one of our newest employer partners. This young man’s job responsibilities required him to use a computer and an engraving machine. TEACCH work systems and guided pictures were used on the job to assist him with mastering the steps needed to operate the machines. The result? His speed and accuracy increased to such a degree, he was assigned additional responsibilities on a second engraving machine! This is just the beginning. Arc of Westchester’s goal is to obtain TEACCH Certified Practitioner status so we can expand the reach of this highly effective training framework to more employees, staff and families in the future. Special thanks to the Taft Foundation, NEXT for Autism, and Arc of Westchester Foundation’s Arc of a Life Campaign for supporting this remarkable alliance. For more information, contact Shari Lewitt at slewitt@arcwestchester.org.

Arc of Westchester has successfully placed three employees with ABB Optical Group.

Employers Honored At Annual Breakfast More than 250 businesses in Westchester County know that hiring reliable, capable people with developmental disabilities makes good business sense. We honored our partners at the 29th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast at the Westchester Marriott. Keynote speaker Larry Gottlieb, President and CEO of Hudson Valley Economic Development, received the 2017 Share of Voice Award. Other winners included The Village of Mount Kisco for the Civic Partnership Award, Aramark for the Distinguished Partner Award, Club Fit for the Advocate Award, and Whole Foods for the Continuing Partner Award. ABB Optical Group was recognized with the New Business Partnership Award, and Tekovery IT Recycling won the Bridge to Employment Award.

We also salute 2017 recipients of the Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Awards, Brian Mehra and Kenneth Silbert.

A special thank you to our sponsors Jackson Lewis, Tommie Cares, The Mines Press, and Dannon. There’s a business opportunity waiting for you at Arc of Westchester! For more information or to become an employer partner, contact Shari Lewitt at slewitt@arcwestchester.org.

Arc of Westchester people working at Tekovery where they recycle computers and tech equip-

Employee scanning at ABB Optical Group, left.

Recycling computers at Tekovery, right.

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For more information view our latest employment video at arcwestchester.org/video-employment.

eDocNY Partners With Digiscribe

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n our ongoing effort to provide strong professional training and valuable employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Arc of Westchester (eDocNY) has chosen to partner with Digiscribe International to expand our position in the document management market. This partnership will strengthen the technical training, expand employment opportunities and improve efficiencies in the operations. Digiscribe is a well-known provider of document scanning services, document management solutions, and workflow automation software throughout the New York tristate area. Arc of Westchester will be an exclusive subcontractor for all employment opportunities in scanning and scanning-related services. Arc of Westchester is excited about this new partnership and our shared goal of providing valuable employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

An eDocNY employee at the new production facility at Digiscribe.

ArcLife

The

of a

C A M P A I G N

$6 Million Goal Promises To Ensure A Bright Future Supporting Arc of Westchester’s Leadership in Technology The Arc of Westchester is unparalleled in its commitment to provide lifelong, comprehensive services and innovative programming for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, through the entire arc of a life. The Arc of a Life Campaign was designed to make possible a bright future for the thousands of individuals and their families who depend on us every day – despite ever-increasing funding challenges.

Since its public launch in October 2015, over $3 million dollars has been committed to The Arc of a Life Campaign and some funds have already helped Arc of Westchester maintain its leadership role in the use of technology to support individuals in realizing their potential. In addition to supporting the creation of the “Technology Enhanced Simulated Studio” (TESS, page 4), two highlights include: • The Arc of Westchester and Mercy College collaboration – supporting the use of every day technology to access personal achievement, increase independence and foster overall well-being.

• The UNC TEACCH Autism®Program – supporting the use of evidenced-based “structured teacch” techniques, including smart technologies and apps, to aid in prevocational and employment preparation for improved placement, retention and job satisfaction outcomes.

For a full list of campaign goals and to learn more about The Arc of a Life Campaign, visit our website at www.arcwestchester.org/campaign, or contact Nancy Patota, Executive Director of the Arc of Westchester Foundation, at 914.495.4625, npatota@arcwestchester.org.

Calling Jordan Jankus

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hen Megan Cruz, Person Centered Support Coordinator at Yonkers Day Program, wanted to support Jeffrey’s efforts to communicate, she turned to Jordan Jankus for help. Jeffrey joined Arc’s day habilitation program, after 20 years somewhere else.

He has an outgoing nature and loves to look his best.

But his hearing impairment made it hard for him to communicate. His previous method had been to point to pictures in a well-worn Jeffrey and his new iPad. plastic binder, now sadly out-of-date.

Knowing his parents had bought him a new iPad, Megan and her team met with Jordan and explored a variety of apps which could enable Jeffrey to express himself, along with converting his picture binder to a digital format that he could access on his iPad. The Arc team is still getting to know Jeffrey, but now he’ll be learning new ways to communicate his own choices and desires.

Membership Costs So Little, and Does So Much Government programs give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a bed and basic services.

Arc of Westchester members help to give them a life full of meaning.

www.arcwestchester.org/donate Stay Connected Join us online at www.arcwestchester.org

Max Krooks with Mom and Dad

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Join us!

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The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center • 265 Saw Mill River Road • Hawthorne, NY 10532 • 914-949-9300 • www.arcwestchester.org