DSPs Using and Supporting Technology Use
Marzia Lives with the Independence She Wants Through Enabling Technology
Allison Austin and Marzia Mims
Navigating the world can be challenging for people with disabilities. However, the landscape is evolving rapidly thanks to the transformative power of enabling technology. From assistive devices that enhance mobility to software that unlocks communication and information, technological advancements are increasingly bridging the gap between limitations and possibilities, empowering people with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Before working for CORE Services of Northeast Tennessee (CORE), I had little experience with enabling technology. My introduction occurred when I met Marzia. I interviewed Marzia about her experience using enabling technology and how it has affected her life. She told me she feels she has grown as a person since living on her own. She likes living independently, and her long-term goal is to eventually live completely without staff support. I have been working with Marzia to restructure her days to reduce staff interference.
Marzia lived in a group home until 2019, when she moved into her apartment. She described the group home as unpleasant due to “lack of privacy, not having a choice in matters around the house, or being unable to read a book in silence.” Luckily, CORE listened to Marzia and helped her make positive life changes. Through the use of enabling technology, Marzia was able to move out of the group home and into an apartment. Since then, she has lived independently for five years with only part-time staff support.
Marzia Mims spreading “peace” while enjoying nature.
Marzia has different types of enabling technology in her apartment. Starting in her kitchen, there is an Alexa Echo Show (a smart device with display screens connected to Alexa, an artificial intelligence service) that Marzia can access to check for recipes or listen to her favorite music while she cooks or cleans. She also uses it to check the weather, to tell her a joke, or even to make fart noises (when she needs to laugh). She also has an Echo box that sends a warning, “Please do not forget to check the stove,” if she walks away from the stove while cooking and does not return within a designated amount of time. Marzia admits that the Echo box sometimes annoys her because she feels like it is “nagging,” although she understands it is “just doing its job.” When asked if there were any cons to having enabling technology, Marzia chuckled and said, “Other than the Echo box nagging me about checking the stove, there are none.”
Installed in her living room is a tablet with Nucleus that she can use to access CORE staff 24 hours a day. She can tap one button to call, no matter the situation, whether the power is out or she feels anxious and simply needs to talk to someone. Someone is always on the other end of the line, available to talk to her. She has a Ring doorbell connected to her iPad that tells her if someone is at her door. Installed on her front door is an electronic keypad lock that she can use to let people in and check to ensure the door is locked.
I have learned how enabling technology has given Marzia the support and confidence she needs to grow and eventually reach her goal. I have worked with other people within the agency who use enabling technology in their homes and on the job and see how they, too, are living more independent lives.
I am a huge tech nerd and love everything tech-related. When CORE offered me an opportunity to learn about enabling technology, I was excited to learn. Since then, I have learned how enabling technology has given Marzia the support and confidence she needs to grow and eventually reach her goal. I have worked with other people within the agency who use enabling technology in their homes and on the job and see how they, too, are living more independent lives. I have continued my learning by earning Enabling Technology Credentials through SHIFT Learning .
Having the freedom to make those choices that the rest of us take for granted, such as cooking what we want for dinner, watching our favorite television shows, or having the job we truly want, is a big deal. Enabling technology is making that happen for many people with a disability. When Marzia described her life while living in the group home, I could see the sadness in her eyes and feel the frustration in her words. Now, when she shares her experience of living in her apartment, cooking her favorite foods, and being able to read her books in peace, she does so with pride and a smile.
Marzia’s life has improved greatly due to having her own space and living independently, which were made possible through enabling technology. She now has a job, goes on trips, attends parties, and so much more. She is doing many things she could not do before living on her own. Marzia has nothing but positive things to say about her enabling technology and all the independence it has brought into her life.
When enabling technology first came on the scene, some direct support professionals worried it would replace them. However, that certainly was not the case. There will always be a need to provide support in other ways. Different jobs within the agency will need to be filled. Many individuals do not need staff around the clock. In fact, like Marzia, some will thrive without having someone standing over them.
I am a staunch supporter of enabling technology and encourage anyone considering it to give it a chance. Before meeting Marzia and other people through CORE, I never imagined enabling technology could make their lives empowering and fulfilling.
Allison Austin, DSP III, was the NADSP E-badge Earner of the Month in May 2024. Read more about Allison’s work: https://nadsp.org/earner-of-the-month-allison-austin/ .
Resources
Core Services Productions. (2024). Remote Support Specialist [video].
Core Services Productions. (2021). Chris the Remote Support Specialist using Nucleus [video].
Tech First SHIFT. (2024). Accreditation.
Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. (2024). Enabling Technology.