Group Homes Archives - CreateAbility Inc https://www.createabilityinc.com/category/group-homes/ Enabling Technology for People With Intellectual Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Autism and Dementia Wed, 24 May 2023 17:26:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://www.createabilityinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/favicon.png Group Homes Archives - CreateAbility Inc https://www.createabilityinc.com/category/group-homes/ 32 32 Using MeMinder in a Residential Setting https://www.createabilityinc.com/2022/05/31/using-meminder-in-a-residential-setting/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2022/05/31/using-meminder-in-a-residential-setting/#respond Tue, 31 May 2022 14:09:42 +0000 https://www.createabilityinc.com/?p=3477 MeMinder, CreateAbility’s task prompting and instruction system for people with intellectual developmental disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injuries, is often purchased as part of our “Employment Suite” for vocational rehabilitation. For that reason, it often gets overlooked as being an ideal solution for people who are in that transitional phase and would like to experience more...

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MeMinder, CreateAbility’s task prompting and instruction system for people with intellectual developmental disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injuries, is often purchased as part of our “Employment Suite” for vocational rehabilitation. For that reason, it often gets overlooked as being an ideal solution for people who are in that transitional phase and would like to experience more independence/less supervision while at home!

Let’s take a look at some of the things MeMinder can help with in the residential setting:

Personal hygiene:
From showering, to daily responsibilities of brushing hair and teeth, to handwashing and other sanitary practices to reduce virus transmission, MeMinder can help keep your clients/family members on track with putting their best face forward!

Household chores: 
Managing daily tasks necessary for productive living is critical. MeMinder can provide alerts and instructions on daily chores. This keeps the person being served confident that they can do things on their own – and care providers from providing “helicopter” supervision. (You can even request a picture that the job was done/done correctly.)

Medication adherence:
No matter how many times a day, MeMinder can send alerts and instructions on which meds need to be taken and when, as well as how to take them. In addition, you can view their adherence/non-adherence in real-time!

Personal Appointments:
Busy day? Create custom tasks when an appointment reminder is needed and zip it down to the person you serve in real-time. Store regularly scheduled appointments in your library so you don’t have to “reinvent the wheel” each time it occurs.

MeMinder is an effective technology solution for those who struggle with the challenges that come with lower executive functioning levels like time management, initiating and/or following through with tasks, sequencing, memory loss, attention deficit and more.

Should you have questions about MeMinder or would like to see a demo, please give us a call at 317.728.6670.

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Working Smarter, Not Harder, in a Post-Pandemic Employment Landscape https://www.createabilityinc.com/2021/08/03/working-smarter-not-harder-in-a-post-pandemic-employment-landscape/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2021/08/03/working-smarter-not-harder-in-a-post-pandemic-employment-landscape/#respond Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:29:56 +0000 https://www.createabilityinc.com/?p=3246 Amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic and directly on the tail of the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2020, The National Council on Disabilities published their “Progress Report on National Disability Policy” which charts the progress and setbacks of employment within the disabilities population here in the U.S. In it, a...

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Amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic and directly on the tail of the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2020, The National Council on Disabilities published their “Progress Report on National Disability Policy” which charts the progress and setbacks of employment within the disabilities population here in the U.S. In it, a letter to the President makes the plea to implement policy recommendations immediately so that “…..when the nation recovers from this pandemic and regains a robust economy, all people with disabilities who work and want to work will be able to fully benefit from that recovery.”

Fast forward to today, where our nation’s businesses are facing staffing challenges that could serve as a catalyst in the inclusive employment movement. We all know that there is a wonderful, untapped source for employment in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that can fill these positions. But how do provider agencies adequately serve clients and optimize efforts in the inclusive employment movement while experiencing employee shortages of their own?

In times where providers are trying to do “more with less”, technology can help providers/job coaches:

  • Streamline onboarding processes for new job coaches/staff.
  • Minimize time spent in training employees by cutting out antiquated, manual processes.
  • Monitor progress and setbacks of multiple employees on one dashboard. 
  • Reduce time and money spent traveling from location-to-location to put out “fires”.
  • Motivate employees to set and achieve goals.
  • Automate fading techniques that help employees rely less on job coaches.
  • Reduce the numbers of crises at the workplace.
  • Create more satisfying and sustainable job opportunities for the clients they serve; reducing employee turnover.

It seems as if the pandemic has created a “perfect storm” of sorts in the industry we know and love – and technology is just the thing to keep us afloat!

If you need help keeping your head above the water – please reach out to us to learn more about assistive technology and its role in making strides in the inclusive employment movement – even when we are experiencing shortages, ourselves.

Until next time…


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Assistive Technology: How Saving Time Equates to Saving Money https://www.createabilityinc.com/2021/02/23/assistive-technology-how-saving-time-equates-to-saving-money/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2021/02/23/assistive-technology-how-saving-time-equates-to-saving-money/#respond Tue, 23 Feb 2021 13:52:17 +0000 https://www.createabilityinc.com/?p=2873 Technology is never a replacement for human interaction between care providers and the people they serve; it’s a tool. I think this pandemic has certainly accentuated that notion as we all revisit the way things used to be – the social gatherings, face-to-face communications, and physical touch.  Technology can optimize time management for the organization...

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Technology is never a replacement for human interaction between care providers and the people they serve; it’s a tool. I think this pandemic has certainly accentuated that notion as we all revisit the way things used to be – the social gatherings, face-to-face communications, and physical touch. 

Technology can optimize time management for the organization utilizing it that ultimately adds more money to the bottom line of the agency. Agencies can then re-allot the savings towards retaining and/or hiring new staff, improving the lives of the people they serve, or increasing the reach of the technology to more of their clients resulting in more…you guessed it…savings.

Here’s a prime example of how one of CreateAbility’s clients uses assistive technology to save their organization money:

A state agency has selected 10 of the people they serve who they feel are ready (and desire) to have less supervision during the course of the day. By utilizing MeMinder for two hours per day to implement a daily chore routine, this agency is able to remotely supervise each client for two hours of the day. This frees up their DSPs to do other things they have otherwise not been able to during a normal business day like paperwork, meetings, and training.

Here is how the savings breaks down in this instance:

DSP pay savings:  $20/hr x 2 hours saved per day x 5 days a week = $200/savings per week

x 10 persons served = $2000/week in savings

x 26 weeks (length of pilot) = $52,000 total savings – $1,249.50 (cost of MeMinder x 10 people served = $749.50, plus $50 Amazon Fire for 10 people = $500)

Total, 6-month savings for agency:  $50,750.50.

The math is relatively simple in this case, especially since the majority of CreateAbility’s technology solutions are one-time expenses. (The return on subscription-based products complicates this equation a bit.) In the end, the big question is what would you do with an extra $50k?  

Oh, and the people served appreciated the increased independence. How do we put a value on that?

If you would like to speak to us about how to use assistive technology to save time/money, please email us at info@createabilityinc.com.

Read about other ways that MeMinder is helping organizations save time and money here. 

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CreateAbility’s Response to Budget Reductions During COVID-19 https://www.createabilityinc.com/2020/11/23/createability-response-to-budget-reductions-during-covid-19/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2020/11/23/createability-response-to-budget-reductions-during-covid-19/#respond Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:50:49 +0000 https://www.createabilityinc.com/?p=2593 As you know, Medicaid is the largest funder of disability programs in the United States. So, it’s easy to fear the future when you read the new report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) that discusses the funding landscape for Medicaid programs during the pandemic.   After taking a few deep, cleansing breaths, we want you to know that we...

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As you know, Medicaid is the largest funder of disability programs in the United States. So, it’s easy to fear the future when you read the new report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) that discusses the funding landscape for Medicaid programs during the pandemic.  

After taking a few deep, cleansing breaths, we want you to know that we are right there with you. 

In response, to help you to continue to remotely and safely support to the people you serve in these times, we are switching each of our popular MeMinder, Employment Suite, OnTracker and Avatalk solutions to a $7.99 per person-served, per month model for the foreseeable future. Customers who can pre-pay annually will receive a 15% discount. 

Because of incredible people like you, we will make it through this together! 

Steve 

If you are interested in securing our special rates on remote supports that will help you manage in these times, please email us at info@createabilityinc.com.

See the report at: https://www.ancor.org/newsroom/news/congressional-research-service-warns-some-states%E2%80%99-budget-reductions-during-covid-19 

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New App Will Help DSPs and Staff Work with Individuals with IDD and Behavioral Challenges https://www.createabilityinc.com/2020/08/07/new-app-will-help-dsps-and-staff-work-with-individuals-with-idd-and-behavioral-challenges/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2020/08/07/new-app-will-help-dsps-and-staff-work-with-individuals-with-idd-and-behavioral-challenges/#respond Fri, 07 Aug 2020 13:19:44 +0000 https://www.createabilityinc.com/?p=1921 DSPs and support staff members’ jobs are not just to keep their clients safe and healthy, but to also work with them on establishing goals for themselves and working to achieve them. Often times, people with IDDs also have a dual diagnosis; another behavioral challenge in addition to their intellectual developmental disability. Behavioral challenges can...

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DSPs and support staff members’ jobs are not just to keep their clients safe and healthy, but to also work with them on establishing goals for themselves and working to achieve them. Often times, people with IDDs also have a dual diagnosis; another behavioral challenge in addition to their intellectual developmental disability. Behavioral challenges can flare up during this goal setting process and hinder the individuals from achieving whatever it is they set out to do.

CreateAbility, in partnership with Dr. Julie F. Brown of Skills System, Inc. are nearing the last phase of development for OnTracker; an app that allows persons with IDDs to check in multiple times per day to gauge whether their thoughts and actions are aligned with their current goals. By running on popular Apple and Android tablets, OnTracker is a 24/7 coach to help them check in a self-regulate after experiencing an emotional triggering event, such as a conflict with a roommate or co-worker, or missing a bus on a rainy day.

After rating their feelings, the app enables them to employ the appropriate ‘skills’ to help them independently cope with their situation. The 9 skills include:

  • Clear picture: Helps persons being served notice what is happening inside and outside of themselves at that moment.
  • On-Track Thinking: Helps persons being served think clearly about what they want and what will work to help reach their goals.
  • On-Track Action: Once they get a clear picture and have On-Track Thinking, this step helps them do something positive to move toward goals.
  • Safety Plan: Persons being served plan how to handle risky situations that are happening right now and may happen in the future.
  • New-Me Activities: Help the person being served focus their attention, help them feel better, distract them and help them have fun.
  • Problem Solving: Taking time to solve problems in the person being served life so that they can be happier and reach goals.
  • Expressing Myself: Person being served shares what is on their mind and their heart to help them reach their goals.
  • Getting it Right: Helps the person being served work with people to get what they want.
  • Relationship Care: Helps the person being served understand how to have with themselves and others.

The app will benefit people in day programs and in residential settings.

Should you be interested in participating in a pilot study or just wanting more information on OnTracker, please reach out to us at info@createabilityinc.com.

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Issues from Social Isolation in the Elderly Rising in Priority for Managed Care and LTC Facilities https://www.createabilityinc.com/2020/07/30/issues-from-social-isolation-in-the-elderly-rising-in-priority-for-managed-care-and-ltc-facilities/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2020/07/30/issues-from-social-isolation-in-the-elderly-rising-in-priority-for-managed-care-and-ltc-facilities/#respond Thu, 30 Jul 2020 14:24:28 +0000 https://www.createabilityinc.com/?p=1911 Social isolation has been defined as a lack of meaningful connections with other people. You may have noticed the use of this term more frequently when addressing Medicare and the health and wellbeing of seniors and addressing social isolation is being strongly considered now in the development of person-centric care plans.  Here are some of...

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Social isolation has been defined as a lack of meaningful connections with other people. You may have noticed the use of this term more frequently when addressing Medicare and the health and wellbeing of seniors and addressing social isolation is being strongly considered now in the development of person-centric care plans.  Here are some of the reasons it’s becoming a focal point:

In a recent NIH report, the organization pronounces social isolation and loneliness in older people as a threat that poses health risks.

Dr. Steve Cole of NIH identifies risk factors in his article, “Understanding the Biology of Loneliness”:

Loneliness acts as a fertilizer for other diseases.

The biology of loneliness can:

  • accelerate the buildup of plaque in arteries.
  • help cancer cells grow and spread.
  • promote inflammation in the brain leading to Alzheimer’s disease.

The CDC’s recent study on the same topic revealed that elders who experience social isolation have a 50% higher risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions than those who do not. They also stressed the importance of the health care system’s interventions as the main key to warding off social isolation and diminishing health concerns.

Naturally, seniors are more vulnerable to social isolation than other demographics. They are at an age where they are likely experiencing loss of siblings and friends. They experience more free time than their younger family members do and often times have excess time to fill. In addition, this is likely the age where people begin to experience health problems, which can be taxing.

Medicare is spending around $6.7 billion annually in costs stemming from social isolation. Take a look at the additional monthly costs to Medicare for a socially isolated enrollee and for an enrollee with selected chronic conditions:

Naturally, where spend is high – attention will follow. Many options are currently beginning to be explored and technology is one of them.  While we never claim that assistive technology will take the place of loved ones, we do believe in its power to serve as a communication hub that helps to connect others and strengthen relationships.

An example of an assistive technology that is both simple to use and combats social isolation for the elderly is avatalk.

avatalk is a fun and engaging way for people to check in on their loved ones and share pictures, memories, artwork, messages and more! The device is kept in plain view, on a table or the person’s credenza, and relatives can snap photos and share moments – and immediately download it to the senior’s tablet. Ultimately the device becomes a virtual picture show and a hub for new media of any sort and keeps them entertained and abreast of the goings on within their families/friends. People in the senior’s life can also utilize the quick-and-easy check-in system avatar offers:  simply ask any question with 6 answers or less via text – and it will interrupt the slideshow and pop up as a talking avatar on their device, ask the question, and provide the answers in button form so that they can response quickly and easily.

While care providers are also using avatalk as a way to bridge any gaps in remote monitoring and doing additional check-ins – many are getting comfortable utilizing avatalk and using the picture show platform to announce special events and share special messages and positivity; enhancing its purpose as a focal point in the home.

It is important that we not forget the mental health of our aging parents, friends and relatives as a key factor in their physical health and devote time to their happiness while still maintaining some presence in their lives when we are unable to be there in-person. Assistive technology provides a solution that everyone can use – and actually enjoy!

Until next time…stay safe and healthy!

 

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CreateAbility, Inc. Launches First-of-its-kind Communication Platform for People with Intellectual Disabilities https://www.createabilityinc.com/2019/10/17/createability-inc-launches-first-of-its-kind-communication-platform-for-people-with-intellectual-disabilities/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2019/10/17/createability-inc-launches-first-of-its-kind-communication-platform-for-people-with-intellectual-disabilities/#respond Thu, 17 Oct 2019 19:21:19 +0000 https://www.createabilityinc.com/?p=1751 INDIANAPOLIS, October 15th, 2019 – CreateAbility, Inc., a technology company located in Indianapolis, recently launched its new communication platform, avatalk, that helps people in the circle of care of a resident with an intellectual disability, to quickly and anonymously ask any question of the resident. “The issue”, according to Steve Sutter, President of CreateAbility, “is...

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INDIANAPOLIS, October 15th, 2019 – CreateAbility, Inc., a technology company located in Indianapolis, recently launched its new communication platform, avatalk, that helps people in the circle of care of a resident with an intellectual disability, to quickly and anonymously ask any question of the resident.

“The issue”, according to Steve Sutter, President of CreateAbility, “is that people in the circle of care typically prefer to text when they want to quickly check in with someone. But this may not work in situations where the reside has difficulty texting or reading, or they are concerned that the person-served now has their cell phone number.”

Avatalk automatically renders the text message into a talking avatar to present the question and up to six answers to the resident, then converts the resident’s answer back to text to the remote individual. The technology was designed to provide a natural, non-intrusive mode of checking in on clients that is both engaging and commands response – as well as a provide agency staff with a platform they can use to get specific feedback on an efficient basis from individuals with Down Syndrome, autism, survivors of a brain injury, or older adults with dementia

Typical examples where avatalk may be used are: verifying that the resident is ready for pickup, took their medications, showered, returned home safely, secure during a storm, etc. This flexibility bridges potential gaps in understanding the residents’ health, safety, and satisfaction with their situation. This can provide an immediate solution for stop-gap coverage of the person-served, or supplement remote monitoring technologies.

“In a time when agencies are spread thin and healthcare is pushing toward more person-centric care plans, care providers are tasked with more responsibilities than ever.” States CreateAbility, Inc. President, Steve Sutter. “Avatalk gives them a tool that will allow them to check in with the people they serve and get quicker responses that are honed in tightly to the information they need to retrieve in order to perform their care of the individual more efficiently.”

For the resident, avatalk’s interface provides a less intrusive communication style that allows them to respond simply and efficiently. When in use, the app runs a personal slide show of their favorite places and people. When someone on their circle of care sends a question to them via text, an avatar (in which they have previously selected) will appear, ask the question aloud, and provide answers for them to select from. The answer they select is wirelessly transmitted and conveyed back as text to the care provider.
Avatalk will be available directly from CreateAbility by the end of October for Windows 10 and Android devices and will be available in the Android and Apple app stores by the end of November. Pre-orders are being accepted now at a promotional price of $74.95. To see a demo and receive promotional pricing on avatalk, please email info@createabilityinc.com.

About CreateAbility, Inc.
CreateAbility strives to improve the dignity, security, and quality of life for people who are trying to maintain varying degrees of independence, but who need assistive technologies. Our mission is to create innovative products that help them flourish beyond their current capability. Our interactive health and safety monitoring software solutions help caregivers deliver an affordable blend of care, 24/7 that nurtures independence. We serve caregivers, agencies, and organizations devoted to helping older adults, people with intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health issues.

Contact:
Kerri Pinger
Marketing & Sales Support Administration
CreateAbility, Inc.
kerri@createabilityinc.com

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Guest Post: The Importance of Mental and Physical Health in Senior Citizens https://www.createabilityinc.com/2018/09/04/guest-post-the-importance-of-mental-and-physical-health-in-senior-citizens/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2018/09/04/guest-post-the-importance-of-mental-and-physical-health-in-senior-citizens/#respond Tue, 04 Sep 2018 13:34:26 +0000 https://www.createabilityinc.com/?p=1646 The Importance of Mental and Physical Health in Senior Citizens By Jason Lewis Getting older can be beautiful and scary at the same time. As we age, we become more susceptible to mental and physical illnesses. As a senior, the importance of mental and physical health should not be lost on you. In fact, keeping...

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The Importance of Mental and Physical Health in Senior Citizens
By Jason Lewis

Getting older can be beautiful and scary at the same time. As we age, we become more susceptible to mental and physical illnesses. As a senior, the importance of mental and physical health should not be lost on you. In fact, keeping your health in check can have numerous benefits – such as keeping you alive, healthy, happy, independent, and social longer than anticipated.

Ignoring your mental and physical health can be extremely dangerous, leading to serious mental disorders, such as depression and alcohol addiction, plus physical decline in a short period of time. Just an hour or two of focus each day can change everything, including your outlook on life. The five following benefits are associated with mental and physical health as a senior.

It lowers the risk of mental illness.

According to the World Health Organization, the risks associated with aging include neuropsychiatric and emotional disorders. About fifteen percent of adults over the age of sixty suffer from a mental illness. Maintaining your physical and emotional health on a regular basis will significantly lower this risk – keeping you healthy and happy for far longer than expected. Start with a daily walk or aerobics. You can also choose to see a counselor. All of these things will make a major difference in your future mental health.

Learn more about the symptoms of mental illness in older adults through A Place For Mom.

It increases overall life expectancy.

It’s not exactly a secret. The healthier you are, the longer you’ll live. Take the time to focus on your mental and physical health now, and you’ll have a longer future to enjoy. It may help to cater your exercises toward your hobbies. Do you enjoy swimming or nature? Do you have a friend that would like to exercise with you? Making physical exercise part of your day-to-day life will vastly improve your life expectancy and your daily happiness.

It decreases the need for a nursing home or retirement community.

The longer you stay happy and healthy, the longer you’ll be able to stay in your own home. Many senior citizens have no interest in leaving their place of residence – whether they’ve been there for five years, ten years, or even longer. Moving can be frustrating and cutting down on belongings can be difficult. Push the idea of a nursing home further into your future (or out of your mind) by putting an emphasis on physical and emotional health.

It encourages positive social behavior.

Have you been feeling lonely lately? Being active (both mentally and physically) can help improve your social skills, especially if you exercise in the same place each day. You’ll become familiar with the employees or residents around you, and you’ll also become closer to those who exercise with you. Join an aerobics class or choose a comfortable mall for walking each day. Positive social behavior can encourage stronger emotional health.

It stimulates the need for independence.

Do you value your independence? Many senior citizens do. Focusing on your mental and physical health will stimulate your need for independence, keeping you active and improving your outlook on life. It will also keep members of your family from assuming you can’t take care of yourself, should you choose to continue doing so. CreateAbility’s Independence Keeper can also provide support for you or your loved ones wherever they call home.

The more you know, the better your chances of maintaining a healthy present and future. Educate yourself on mental and physical health, in addition to finding new ways to grow. You’ll be glad you did.

For more information:

Find more ways to boost your mental health and well-being through Everyday Health.

Jason Lewis offers more information about mental health and aging at Life Senior Services.

 

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HomePortal and Voice-Enabled Microwave now shipping https://www.createabilityinc.com/2018/06/21/homeportal-and-voice-enabled-microwave-now-shipping/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2018/06/21/homeportal-and-voice-enabled-microwave-now-shipping/#respond Thu, 21 Jun 2018 17:48:56 +0000 http://138.197.193.50/?p=1598 HomePortal brings the incredible power of a voice-controlled home to people who are blind, or people whose visual impairment interferes with typical daily activities needed to live independently. HomePortal couples CreateAbility’s “Sparkplug” skill with Z-wave modules to detect and control items in the home. Many commands and requests are possible, but here are a few...

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HomePortal brings the incredible power of a voice-controlled home to people who are blind, or people whose visual impairment interferes with typical daily activities needed to live independently.

HomePortal couples CreateAbility’s “Sparkplug” skill with Z-wave modules to detect and control items in the home.

Many commands and requests are possible, but here are a few typical examples:
“Alexa, tell Sparkplug to turn the fan on” (light, space heater, etc.)
“Alexa, tell Sparkplug to tell me when the dryer is completed”
“Alexa, ask Sparkplug to teach me the basics” (or, show me an example)

Deliveries to demo centers and Independent Living Centers have already started and the team is gearing up for orders to the general public.

One exciting new component of the HomePortal system is an Alexa-controlled Microwave.

Voice-Enabled Microwave

Being able to use something as simple as a microwave means so much more for the individual that isn’t able to see the buttons or person that has trouble pushing those buttons. To them, it was one more element of life that was not available to them before without assistance. With an interactive microwave, the user gains not only the function of an everyday appliance but the more important benefit of an added layer of independence.

Our interactive microwave utilizes Amazon Echo’s technology through CreateAbility’s Sparkplug system. Like Amazon Echo, the microwave responds to a full range of pre-established voice commands such as:
• “Alexa, tell Sparkplug to microwave pizza, 2 slices.”
• “Alexa, tell Sparkplug to microwave popcorn.”
• “Alexa, ask Sparkplug for the remaining cook time.”

Our special internal module doesn’t alter the microwaves original capabilities so everything else remains functional as well, simply enhanced. This makes it easy for others in the home to use the microwave in the typical way, via the front panel.

HomePortal was made possible through a Phase II grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), grant # 90BI0022.

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Keeping Your Data Safe – Even in the Most Serious Attack on the Internet https://www.createabilityinc.com/2014/04/09/keeping-your-data-safe-even-in-the-most-serious-attack-on-the-internet/ https://www.createabilityinc.com/2014/04/09/keeping-your-data-safe-even-in-the-most-serious-attack-on-the-internet/#respond Wed, 09 Apr 2014 19:09:25 +0000 https://www.createabilityinc.com/?p=939 A dangerous flaw in a security technique that ironically was used to keep information safe has and will affect a lot of Internet users. Fear not. Clients, loved ones and healthcare professionals that use our technology can have peace of mind that their information on our systems is safe. You may have heard that there...

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A dangerous flaw in a security technique that ironically was used to keep information safe has and will affect a lot of Internet users.

Fear not. Clients, loved ones and healthcare professionals that use our technology can have peace of mind that their information on our systems is safe.

You may have heard that there is a major flaw in the security of the World Wide Web — one that has even Internet security firms feeling a little panicked, according to a recent article “Heart Bleed Bug Could Compromise Large Part of the Internet”.

We want you to know that CreateAbility’s systems and the data in them are safe.  Since our technology babysits your loved ones, we take this very seriously.

Fatefully, the most popular open source cryptographic library and data transport layer implementation that is used specifically to encrypt traffic on the Internet has a bug in it.  This bug enables hackers to steal password information by causing systems to spew the “secure” information held in RAM – allowing attackers to steal the information.

CreateAbility’s systems keep all of the user account and password information is an encrypted database, and not in RAM.

You can read more about this in the link below, but essentially a massive vulnerability has been found in OpenSSL by a team of security engineers at Codenomicon and Neel Mehta of Google Security (he’s essentially a super Ninja warrior when it comes to protecting data).

In geek speak – OpenSSL is the open-source software package broadly used to encrypt Web communications. The flaw allows attackers to steal the information that is normally protected by SSL/TLS encryption, which is used to protect Web applications, e-mail communications, instant messaging (IM) and some virtual private networks (VPNs).

Essentially, that means a lot of Internet users are affected. And potentially, passwords, private communications and even credit card information could be available to hackers courtesy of this newly-discovered bug.

For more nformation about Heart Bleed, See:

http://beforeitsnews.com/business/2014/04/heart-bleed-bug-could-compromise-large-part-of-the-internet-2612796.html

 

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