ServiceNet Receives Contract from Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to Enhance Assistive Technology Support
ServiceNet, a leading nonprofit mental health and human services agency based in Northampton, has been awarded up to $200,000 per year by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to enhance assistive technology support as part of a DDS Technology Forward initiative.
ServiceNet will use the funding to assess and implement assistive technology solutions catered to the unique needs and environments of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD). ServiceNet’s Strive Clinic, which currently offers physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy for individuals with ID/DD as well as those with brain injuries, will collaborate with individuals and their caregivers to identify specific technological needs based on the environment and skill level.
Assistive technology encompasses various areas, including communication devices equipped with pictorial symbols, touchscreens, and voice recognition software. These devices can empower non-verbal individuals or those with limited speech abilities to express themselves and build stronger connections with their peers and caregivers.
Assistive technologies can also support daily living through smart home systems, wearable devices, and task-specific aids. These technologies can facilitate improved time management, organization, and independent living skills, enabling individuals to gain greater autonomy, build self-confidence, and actively participate in their communities.
Through this initiative, each recipient of assistive technology will benefit from goal-oriented weekly training sessions with ServiceNet’s Strive Clinic staff, plus regular check-ins and re-assessments to help them make the most of the technology’s capabilities.
“The Department of Developmental Disabilities grant is a tremendous opportunity for ServiceNet to expand its accessible technology support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout western Massachusetts,” said Abbas Hamdan, Senior Vice President of Developmental Disabilities and Brain Injury Services. “We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve, and this grant will play an exciting role in achieving that goal.”
This opportunity is not limited to current participants in ServiceNet’s Developmental and Brain Injury Services (DBIS) programs. It is available to any eligible community members seeking to enhance their quality of life through assistive technology.
For more information about ServiceNet’s involvement in the Technology Forward initiative or to inquire about eligibility, please email [email protected] or contact Ellen Werner at [email protected]
