The facility functions as more than a showroom. By replicating a standard living space, it offers families, researchers, and policymakers a practical look at how assistive hardware and software can reshape daily routines. CEO Jenna Mandel-Ricci emphasized that the space is intended to foster direct collaboration between technology developers and the people who rely on their products to navigate community life.
ADAPT Community Network Unveils Smart Living Center in the Bronx
A home-like environment in the Bronx now serves as a hub for accessible innovation, allowing individuals with disabilities to test adaptive tools in a real-world setting. ADAPT Community Network launched the Smart Living Center this week to bridge the gap between emerging technology and daily independence for New Yorkers.
During the opening event, a panel of experts—including representatives from ShiftAbility and the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities—discussed the necessity of partnerships in scaling these solutions. The center will remain a permanent fixture, hosting regular tours and working sessions to refine how technology is evaluated and implemented. For self-advocates like AnnMarie Thomas, the project represents a tangible shift toward greater autonomy, providing a dedicated place to explore tools that turn abstract innovation into functional, independent living.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!