DSPs Using and Supporting Technology Use
Carl's Big Decision to Live on His Own
Allen and Carl
Carl had said for years that he wanted to live on his own. With the help of enabling technology, he finally realized that dream. Carl met with me (his direct support professional) and the administrative staff to get started. We talked about how the technology would work. We also talked about different places Carl could look at so he could pick where he wanted to live. Carl ended up choosing to live in a trailer park. We installed the technology he needed, and he moved to his new home.
Carl went from having 24-hour staff to having direct support just eight hours a day with the help of technology. At first, I worried about leaving him alone. I knew he would be alright and could do it—it was just me worrying because it was a big change for him. At the beginning, Carl wore a bracelet with a panic button. He could hit the button if he needed help with something and couldn’t make it to his phone to ask for help. The button would send an alert to my phone. A motion sensor doorbell on his front door and back door that is connected to my phone. He has a sensor on his stove in case he leaves it on too long. The sensor alerts my phone so I can call and tell him to turn it off. A strobe light is connected to his phone in case he has headphones on and doesn’t hear it ring. He has a med dispenser that dispenses his medications. In only two weeks of living in his new place, Carl had learned everything he needed and was doing great living on his own. His experience was a major success and inspired others to think about the opportunity to live on their own.
"Aren’t you afraid Carl might get hurt while you aren’t there?" I replied, "Of course I am, but just like all of us, he deserves to take risks, too. We all took a risk today driving here. Carl can choose to take risks in his life too."
Carl enjoys cooking his own food.
Eventually, Carl did away with his panic bracelet because he never needed to use it. After a while, I stopped worrying as much about him being alone because he was doing so well. I was once asked during a conference presentation, "Aren’t you afraid Carl might get hurt while you aren’t there?" I replied, "Of course I am, but just like all of us, he deserves to take risks, too. We all took a risk today driving here. Carl can choose to take risks in his life too."
People take risks, and when they have access to the right amount of support, 99% of the time, they prove their doubters wrong! Carl’s story is a great example. Carl was much happier living on his own than with roommates. He was always in such a great mood and bragged to people about living alone and working at Lowes. He started giving more input on what he likes doing and wants. He always gave input, but living on his own boosted his self-esteem. He started giving more input on things when we were ready to listen and support him in making his own decisions.
Carl taking care of his lawn.
*At the time this article was initiated, Carl was still living on his own and loving every minute of it. He loved to cook for himself and mow his own yard. Unfortunately, during the summer he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and passed away on July 16, 2024, with Allen Selby by his side. Carl was a trailblazer in the enabling technology movement in Tennessee and we hope his legacy will inspire others to pursue their ideal life. In closing, support people to take risks. By doing this you support them to live their lives the way they want to live. Carl would tell you that he lived his best life over the past 7 years, in his dream home in a trailer park. Carl’s internment service in August was heavily attended by close to 50 co-workers and friends, with paid supporters as the vast minority in attendance. Further evidence of a life well lived when people are supported to take risks.