Each morning used to be a challenge for Joanne; she struggled to wake up on time and complete morning routines. But with the introduction of assistive technology (AT), such as smart reminders delivered through an Alexa Echo Dot and a tablet, Joanne now receives gentle prompts that guide her from getting out of bed through her daily activities. What was once a process requiring direct staff support has become a steady rhythm where Joanne has gradually taken greater ownership of her routine and is living more independently at home. these simple yet effective tools, have empowered Joanne, built her confidence, and transformed her daily life.
Joanne was introduced to KenCrest’s Enabling Technology department through her Lifesharing partner Centelia Braxton. She became Joanne’s Lifesharing partner in 2024, after providing in-home respite care, and saw how Lifesharing creates strong bonds and supports people. Centelia became interested in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities after growing up with her mother helping people with IDD, kickstarting her career journey with KenCrest. She is now the Assistant Director, Outcome Specialist for the Philadelphia Residential region. Through her work and life experiences, she wanted to create a safe and welcoming home for Joanne, and assistive technology played a big part in making that happen.
“As I learned more about the people supported, I became more interested in becoming a Lifesharing partner,” Centelia says. She worked with KenCrest’s Lifesharing team, prepared her home, and completed all the steps needed to be ready. After a careful matching process and a trial period, she and Joanne found their partnership felt right. But what really changed Joanne’s daily life was using assistive technology. Centelia learned about smart home tools through KenCrest’s Enabling Technology program, which showed her new ways to help Joanne be more independent. By setting up devices like an Alexa Echo Dot and a tablet, Centelia made it possible for Joanne to get reminders and manage her routines without needing someone to always prompt her, helping her become more confident and self-reliant.
“Seeing its impact firsthand inspired me to explore and implement assistive technology in the home to better support independence, choice, and daily functioning,” she said.
Learning the technology wasn’t instant. Joanne was sometimes distracted by other devices and needed help remembering passcodes and navigation steps. Progress depended on consistency, and staff using the same expectations and routines across settings. With time, repetition, and patience, Joanne began to build confidence.
The most powerful change appeared in her mornings.
“She no longer needs her provider to wake her or verbally remind her of each step,” Centelia shared. “Although there were initial concerns about attention and consistency, Joanne understood the prompts and used them effectively with minimal assistance. This has increased her independence and reduced reliance on staff assistance.”
For other Lifesharing partners who may feel hesitant about using assistive technology, Centelia offers simple advice: start small. Begin with one routine. One goal. One moment of independence at a time.
Today, Joanne’s mornings look different, not because someone is directing her every move, but because she has tools that help her direct herself. Each reminder, each completed task, and each successful routine builds her confidence.
Joanne and Centelia’s story show how Lifesharing and technology can work together to create a supportive environment, but it is the assistive technology that has made the biggest difference in Joanne’s independence and confidence.
And every morning, when Joanne starts her day, independence is no longer something she waits for.
It’s something she practices.
Joanne’s story shows how assistive technology can turn everyday routines into opportunities for independence and confidence. Learn more about how KenCrest uses technology to support people at home, and discover how you can be part of this work through a career or partnership with KenCrest.
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