COLUMBUS – Governor John Kasich has instructed the state agency that helps Ohioans with developmental disabilities to develop technology such as apps, cell phones, smart pads, and smart speakers to help them live more independently by handling chores from turning on lights to calling for help.
Hear: “Perspective” interview with John Martin, Director of the Department of Developmental Disabilities
Kasich launched the new “Technology First” initiative on Thursday by signing an executive order that he said would give some of the state’s “most vulnerable citizens” an opportunity to improve their lives with the help of innovative technology.
Among the ideas being considered are smart speakers, such as Amazon’s Echo, to control lights and other home systems, call buttons that can alert remote caregivers, and customized sensors to detect medical emergencies such as seizures or check in on someone who isn’t moving around the house in their usual routine.
Other devices could provide instructions on how and when to fix a meal, help a person maintain a routine or schedule and access public transportation.
The executive order also creates a council to make recommendations and set goals for expanding the use of the technology.