Mark's Independent Living

The Situation

Mark Stevenson is a college graduate and doctoral student in Rehabilitation and Special Education. Mark is also a person with a disability with Spastic Cerebral Palsy as a result of an oxygen deprivation during birth. Cerebral Palsy has limited his motor skills to the point of functional quadriplegia. Fiercely independent, Mark has spent his life seeking ways to live independently and to live as close to a “normal” life as possible. However, that is not an easy task in the small town of Auburn, Alabama, where Mark is a professor at Auburn University.

The Smart Solution

Smart Solutions conducted a complete needs assessment and comprehensive technology plan for Mark. The plan included an automated door opener, lighting controls, thermostat, motorized shades, door lock, and security cameras controlled from his smartphone. Customized programing was developed for Mark, optimizing the system for his specific needs. For example, when Mark leaves home, he activates a “goodbye” button that unlocks and opens the front door, automatically turns the lights off, and adjusts the thermostat to “away” mode. In  essence,  Smart Solutions  took  a  basic  apartment and  turned it  into  one  of the most technologically-advanced, accessible living spaces in the state.

The Outcome

Prior to working with Smart Solutions, Mark was not sure he would be able to live independently. Technology has transformed his apartment into a place that he can comfortably call home. Mark now has a level of independence he only dreamed of. Mark enjoys each morning on his front porch without relying on caregiver assistance.

“You don’t know how good it feels to be able to open my own front door and enjoy the view. Thanks to technology, I can.” -Mark