BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – As the Green Mountains turn grey, the urgency to keep people in their homes as they age is ramping up. A new “smart apartment” gives occupational therapy students at the University of Vermont — along with the community — a chance to try out new technology designed to help seniors and those with disabilities stay independent.
“Assistive technology Isn’t always a magic bullet. It can’t always fix everything. But we do our best to eliminate every barrier we possibly can in as few steps as possible,” said
Ben Wimett with Vermont Assistive Technology Program, which partnered with UVM on the smart apartment. “Having a resource like this that has the knowledge that understands people’s various disabilities and different barriers and can really help people identify the tools and the strategies they need to eliminate those barriers.”
Victoria Priganc, program director for the UVM Occupational Therapy program, says the apartment is designed to have community members make an appointment and come in to try out accessible features in a home environment. The lab has a kitchen and bathroom. “Things change as you get older and sometimes it’s obvious, but sometimes it’s really not obvious. So, if we can help people find those solutions to really help them stay in their homes, it’s a win-win,” she said.
“It just gives me a really great idea of all of the things that I can use moving forward as I progress through the program and as I go on to my clinical fieldwork,” said Madeline Cushing, a UVM student.
“It’s really great to have access to all of the resources so early on in my program.”
The smart apartment was made possible by a $5.75 million grant earmarked by former Senator Patrick Leahy.
