Michael spent his final year of high school using an iPad with specialized apps to help him follow his class schedule, complete assignments, and communicate with teachers. When he graduated and started at Families Matter’s Gardiner location, his mom worried: “Will he still be able to use the technology that helps him? Or will we go backward now that school supports are gone?”
Three months later, Michael uses his iPad more independently than ever. Staff at Families Matter’s Gardiner location support him as he navigates his daily routines, stays organized, and connects with others. The technology he learned in school didn’t disappear—it evolved to fit his adult life, and he has people who understand how to help him use it effectively.
“The difference,” his mom explains, “is that in school, technology was about accommodating his disability. In community programming, technology is just… life. Everyone uses their phones for reminders. Everyone uses apps to stay organized. Michael’s tools aren’t ‘special’—they’re just tools.”
This is the promise of assistive technology (AT) in community settings: not segregated “disability tech,” but integrated, purposeful tools that support independence for everyone.
At Families Matter, we’ve spent 30 years learning that technology alone doesn’t create independence. But technology combined with the right support, person-centered planning, and genuine community inclusion? That changes everything.
Understanding Assistive Technology: It’s More Than You Think
When most people hear “assistive technology,” they picture expensive specialized equipment—voice-output devices, modified wheelchairs, complex communication systems. While these certainly qualify as AT, the reality is much broader and more accessible than most families realize.
The World Health Organization defines AT as “products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities.” This includes everything from visual schedules and written checklists to smartphone apps and smart home devices.
Think of it this way: AT ranges from a simple timer that helps someone complete tasks independently to sophisticated communication devices that give nonverbal individuals a voice. Both are equally valuable when they meet a person’s specific needs.
Why AT Matters for Adults with I/DD
Research consistently demonstrates that AT increases independence in daily tasks, supports employment success through workplace accommodations, enhances social connections via communication tools, and builds confidence through successful task completion.
Yet there’s a troubling gap: while many individuals with I/DD use technology successfully at home, far fewer use it effectively in workplace or community settings—not because they don’t need it, but because support staff aren’t trained or encouraged to integrate it.
This is where community programs like Families Matter play a crucial role: bridging the gap between having technology and using it effectively to build real independence.
Practical AT: Real Tools for Real Independence
Let’s explore AT through practical categories, focusing on accessible solutions available right now in Maine.
Daily Living and Organization
The challenge: Managing schedules, remembering tasks, organizing activities
Low-tech solutions: Visual daily schedules with photos, color-coded calendar systems, checklist flip books, timer systems for task completion
Digital solutions: Visual schedule apps, Google Calendar with voice reminders (free), smart speakers like Alexa or Google Home for voice-activated reminders and timers
How this supports independence: In community programming, individuals can use visual schedule apps on their phones to track daily activities. Staff photograph activities, upload them to the schedule app, and individuals check off completed tasks. Over time, many learn to add their own activities—Special Olympics practice, volunteer shifts, social events.
Cost: Most effective solutions under $50; many free
Communication and Social Connection
The challenge: Expressing needs, staying connected with family and friends, and building relationships
Communication tools: Full AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) systems for nonverbal individuals, social stories apps for social situations, mainstream video calling through FaceTime or Zoom
How this supports independence: Nonverbal individuals can use communication devices to express preferences during activities. When staff learn the system alongside the individual, the person can communicate when they want to go bowling versus swimming, what they’d like for lunch, and who they want to sit with during community outings. Their voice—through technology—shapes their daily experience.
Cost range: Free video calling to professional AAC systems (discuss funding options with Maine CITE)
Money Management and Independence
The challenge: Understanding money, making purchases, and budgeting
Helpful tools: Money recognition apps, personal finance apps designed for individuals with disabilities, prepaid debit cards with parental monitoring, and visual shopping lists with pictures
How this supports independence: During community outings to stores, individuals can use shopping list apps with pictures. They photograph items they need, create visual lists, and independently locate and purchase items. Staff provide support as needed, but the technology enables more independent shopping than traditional paper lists.
Cost range: Free to $20 for most tools
Employment and Volunteer Success
The challenge: Task completion, time management, and workplace communication
Workplace supports: Visual task analysis apps with photo-based instructions, task timers with visual countdowns, voice memo recorders (built into phones), checklist apps for task tracking, collaborative tools like Google Keep
How this supports independence: Individuals volunteering in the community can use checklist apps showing their tasks: sort donations, stock shelves, organize produce, and break down boxes. Each task has a photo showing what “done” looks like. They check off completed tasks, building both skills and self-efficacy. Community partners note that volunteers using these supports often demonstrate greater independence.
Cost range: Most solutions are free or under $20
Maine’s AT Gold Mine: Resources Most Families Don’t Know Exist
Maine offers exceptional AT resources that many families simply don’t know are available.
Maine CITE: Your Free Starting Point
Contact: 207-621-3195 | info@mainecite.org | mainecite.org
What they offer (all free):
- Device demonstrations so you can try before you buy
- Short-term device loans (2-4 weeks) to evaluate whether technology works for your loved one
- Information and training on what’s available
- Equipment reuse program offering gently-used AT at reduced cost
- Regular webinars and workshops
Why this matters: Before spending hundreds on communication devices or specialized equipment, Maine CITE lets you try it. Their AT specialists can demonstrate options, loan devices for trial periods, and help identify cost-effective solutions.
Important: No documentation of disability required—services available to all Maine residents.
For Waiver-Enrolled Individuals
If you’re enrolled in Section 21 or Section 29 waiver services, Maine DHHS has AT professionals who can conduct assessments covered by waiver funding. These assessments identify individual AT needs, appropriate technology solutions, training requirements, and funding options.
Contact your case manager to request an AT assessment if you’re waiver-enrolled.
How Families Matter Integrates Technology
At Families Matter, we don’t have a separate “assistive technology program.” Instead, technology is woven throughout our approach to supporting independence—because that’s how it works in real life.
Our Philosophy
Technology is a tool, not a solution. The right app doesn’t replace good support—it enhances it. We focus on person-centered selection (what does THIS person need for THEIR goals?), natural integration (use technology as anyone else would), skill-building rather than dependence, cost-consciousness (start with free options), and training for everyone (staff learn alongside individuals).
How Technology Supports Our Programming
Community Integration: Individuals can use shared calendars to see volunteer schedules, photo-based task lists for consistency at volunteer sites, and simple communication tools to coordinate activities. Technology makes volunteer work and community participation more independent.
Social Connections: Video calling through FaceTime and Zoom helps individuals stay connected with family members who live far away. Staff may help set up calls initially, but individuals can learn to initiate calls independently—strengthening family bonds through technology.
Special Olympics: Athletes can track scores using phone apps, share results with teammates, and watch technique videos. Some create motivational playlists they listen to before competitions. Technology amplifies the athletic experience.
Community Navigation: Individuals can use Google Maps to explore community destinations, restaurant apps to pre-select meals (reducing anxiety), and photo-based shopping lists. Technology builds confidence for community participation.
What Makes This Work
Our 3:1 staff-to-individual ratio means staff have time to support technology learning rather than just managing groups. Personalized attention allows technology to actually enhance independence rather than becoming another task for overworked staff to manage.
Choosing the Right Technology: A Decision Framework
With countless options available, how do you choose? Here’s our practical framework:
Step 1: Identify the Specific Need
Don’t start with technology—start with the goal. What specific task is challenging? What would independence look like? What’s the barrier to success? What have you already tried?
Example: “Michael has trouble remembering his schedule” is specific. “Michael needs help with organization” is too broad.
Step 2: Consider the Simplest Solution First
Technology hierarchy: Can no-tech solutions work (visual supports, routine, environmental changes)? Would low-tech work (paper systems, basic timers, picture cards)? Can mainstream technology with free apps meet the need? Only then consider specialized AT.
Why: Simpler solutions are easier to learn, less expensive, more portable, and less likely to break or become outdated.
Step 3: Try Before You Buy
Maine CITE device loans let you test technology for 2-4 weeks free. This reveals whether the person actually uses it, if it solves the problem, if it’s worth the cost, and what training is needed.
Step 4: Consider Ongoing Costs
Beyond initial purchase, think about subscription fees, update costs, replacement costs when devices break, and support staff time required.
Step 5: Plan for Success
Who will set up the technology initially? Who will teach the individual to use it? Who troubleshoots when problems arise? Who updates and maintains it over time? Who supports use across different settings?
Technology only works if someone ensures it’s actually implemented.
Overcoming Common Barriers
“It’s too complicated”: Most effective AT is simpler than you think. Smartphones already have powerful accessibility features built in. Start with what people already know.
“It’s too expensive”: Many highly effective AT solutions are free or under $20. Use Maine CITE to explore options before purchasing. Even $200 technology that increases independence is cost-effective long-term.
“Staff don’t know how to support it”: This is the biggest barrier in community settings. Choose user-friendly technology, train staff alongside individuals, document how technology is used, and partner with Maine CITE for complex needs. Programs with strong staff-to-individual ratios can actually support technology learning.
“The person won’t use it”: Technology needs to solve a problem the PERSON cares about, not just what we think they should care about. Start with person-centered goals, let individuals choose from options, allow time for learning, and celebrate success.
Taking the First Step: Your AT Action Plan
Ready to explore AT? Here’s how to start.
This Week:
Identify one specific challenge. What task is most frustrating? Where would more independence have biggest impact?
Research simple solutions. Google “[task name] assistive technology app.” Check Maine CITE website for ideas. Ask support staff what others have tried successfully.
This Month:
Contact Maine CITE at 207-621-3195. Schedule a consultation, request device demonstrations, and borrow equipment to try.
Start with free or low-cost options. Download free apps to test, try built-in phone accessibility features, create simple visual supports, and document what works.
Ongoing:
Evaluate and adjust. Is technology being used consistently? Is it solving the problem? What additional support is needed?
Share success. Tell your case manager about helpful technology, share strategies with other families, and advocate for AT funding when needed.
The Bottom Line: Technology + Support = Independence
Assistive technology isn’t magic. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it’s only effective when it’s the right tool for the job, someone knows how to use it, support is available when needed, and it’s actually accessible and practical.
This is why community support services matter. At Families Matter, we provide the support infrastructure that makes technology work: staff who understand individual needs, ratios that allow personalized attention, commitment to trying new solutions, patience with learning curves, and celebration of independence gains.
Technology didn’t make Michael more independent on its own. Technology + supportive programming + skilled staff + person-centered approach = independence.
When these pieces come together, remarkable things happen. People who were told they “can’t” discover they can. Tasks that seemed impossible become manageable. Independence that felt out of reach becomes reality.
Ready to Explore Technology-Supported Independence?
Questions about assistive technology and community programming? Contact our Assistant Directors
- Hallowell: Jane Lerette – 207-621-1023
- Gardiner: Erica Poulin – 207-203-0004
- Skowhegan: Melinda King – 207-621-2992
- Waterville: Debra Wells – 207-616-3284
Connect with Maine CITE: 207-621-3195 | info@mainecite.org | mainecite.org
Technology is changing what’s possible. Let’s explore what’s possible for you.