Imagine being able to turn on your lights with just your voice, check your schedule on a tablet, or receive a reminder when it’s time to take your medication. For many people, these small moments of convenience are actually life-changing steps toward independence. That’s the power of Enabling Technology, also known as Assistive Technology (AT), and at KenCrest, it’s helping people across Pennsylvania and Delaware live more safely, confidently, and freely every day.
KenCrest’s Enabling Technology program supports individuals with disabilities across all lifespans, helping them live more independently in their homes and communities. The program focuses on practical tools and personalized supports that make daily life easier, safer, and more empowering.
Assistive Technology includes the tools, devices, software, and services that help people with disabilities do things more easily and independently — at home, at work, or in their communities. Sometimes, it’s something simple, like a checklist or a kitchen timer to keep daily routines on track. Other times, it’s something high-tech, like a voice-activated device that controls lights or doors, an app that manages medications, or an adaptive keyboard that makes it easier to use a computer. What makes AT so powerful isn’t the technology itself; it’s how it gives people more control over their lives.
How KenCrest’s Enabling Technology Program Works
At KenCrest, the process begins with listening. The Enabling Technology team meets with each person to learn about their goals, challenges, and what independence looks like for them. From there, a certified specialist introduces different tools and allows individuals to try them out firsthand. Once the right tools are identified, KenCrest provides a written plan outlining recommendations and resources. But the partnership doesn’t stop there — the team continues to offer follow-up support to ensure the technology is making a meaningful difference.
For some, that difference is simple but significant, such as being able to safely navigate stairs with new lighting, set reminders for daily medications, or independently communicate with family. For others, it’s about reclaiming confidence: managing work tasks, organizing their home routines, or staying connected with their community. Whatever the goal, Assistive Technology helps transform challenges into opportunities for success.
Best of all, Assistive Technology services at KenCrest are available through state waiver programs in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware. These waivers, such as Delaware’s DDDS Lifespan Waiver, allow eligible participants to receive evaluations and ongoing support at no additional cost. Families can begin the process by working with their case managers or support coordinators to request an Assistive Technology Evaluation.
Empowering People Through Possibility
KenCrest’s Enabling Technology program stands apart because it’s guided by a simple belief that people come first. Every recommendation starts with listening, not prescribing. KenCrest is also SHIFT-accredited as a Technology First provider, recognized for prioritizing technology as a primary support rather than an afterthought.
Every day, the Enabling Technology team sees the impact of this work — like the relief on someone’s face when they can safely move around their home again, or the pride of someone who can now control their environment independently. These moments may seem small, but they represent something bigger: possibility.
At KenCrest, technology, when matched to a person’s goals, can support more confidence, safety, and control in daily routines. Whether you’re an older adult seeking more safety at home or a person with an intellectual or developmental disability striving for independence, KenCrest is here to help you find the tools to make every day more empowering.
If you or someone you know could benefit from Assistive Technology, you can learn more or make a referral