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Business Journals
a day ago
- Health
- Business Journals
Canonsburg ushers in next generation of disability services with "Smart Living Home"
Over 70 years ago, Arc Human Services (AHS) was founded by a group of caring parents with a vision of a better, more inclusive life for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their first meetings were held around a kitchen table, where the most advanced technology in their homes might have been an electric stove or a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker. Today, AHS employs over 600 staff and supports individuals across nearly 80 group homes in Western Pennsylvania. As the organization has grown, so has the technology used to deliver care. As Pennsylvania and the nation face increasing challenges with workforce shortages and the long-term sustainability of disability services, AHS is reimagining what support can look like. In a bold move, Arc Human Services has launched its Smart Living Home in Canonsburg, a fully functional residence equipped with assistive technology and smart tools designed to provide hands-on learning for people of all abilities and ages. The project, led by Chief Administrative Officer Craig Douglass, introduces accessible technology to individuals who might not otherwise have access to it. 'This home is a living learning laboratory,' said Douglass. 'It's not just about showcasing smart devices; it's about creating a space that helps people of all abilities find the tools that support their independence and the life they want, on their terms.' expand Located in a residential neighborhood and designed to feel like any typical home, the Smart Living Home blends discreet, user-friendly technology with a person-centered approach to care. Features include motion sensors paired with lights and appliances, video doorbells, medication reminders, video calling for telehealth and remote support, and more, all customized to the individual's preferences and goals. While assistive technology itself isn't new to disability services, AHS's focus on experiential learning and co-design with users makes this initiative unique. Individuals, families, and caregivers can schedule a personalized visit or short trial stay to try out the tools in real-world conditions. This approach builds confidence and helps people discover what truly fits their needs, before introducing similar systems into their own homes. 'This isn't about replacing people,' said Ed Picchiarini, CEO of Arc Human Services. 'It's about giving our teams tools that promote dignity and choice. Craig had a vision for demystifying assistive technology, and we knew it was something worth pursuing.' Douglass added, 'Too often, assistive devices are used as one-size-fits-all solutions. We wanted to shift that. We start by listening and understanding a person's needs and goals, and then we offer options that match their life.' The Smart Living Home isn't just a demonstration site; it represents a replicable model for other providers and families. The project shows how every day, off-the-shelf technology can be embedded into any home, whether a private residence or a provider-operated setting. With the right training and supports, these tools offer meaningful independence and inclusion, especially for individuals who may be left out of typical tech conversations. The project also addresses a key workforce issue: the shrinking pool of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). By integrating smart tools, AHS helps DSPs work more efficiently and focus on what matters most - relationships, skill-building, and person-centered care. expand AHS partnered with technology vendors and experts to ensure the Smart Living Home balances innovation with practicality. But there's no push to promote a particular product or brand. If a device helps someone meet a goal, they try it. If it doesn't work, it goes back in the box. AHS is already seeing interest from peer organizations, providers, and policymakers eager to learn from the model. Virtual and in-person visits are planned to showcase how technology can support, not replace, care. 'Our goal is to demonstrate what's possible,' said Picchiarini. 'Whether you're designing homes, managing care, or delivering support, we want others to see that this kind of innovation is not only possible, it's necessary.' The Smart Living Home reflects Arc Human Services' long-standing commitment to more than just care; it reflects a mission of opportunity, inclusion, and transformation. Ideals the founding families set in motion over 70 years ago. For those exploring how to bring technology into disability services today, it offers a powerful example of what leadership and vision can accomplish. Arc Human Services invites partners, advocates, families, and innovators to visit the Smart Living Home, explore what's possible, and help build a future where independence and dignity are at the center of every home. Arc Human Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting individuals with disabilities to fulfill their ambitions, protect their rights, and foster meaningful relationships at home, work, and in their communities. The organization provides residential, vocational, and support services that promote independence and inclusion.
CBS News
21-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
First-of-its-kind "smart living home" opens in Washington County
A first-of-its-kind smart living home has opened its doors in Washington County, offering assistive technology to help people with disabilities live independently. The home in Canonsburg opened in May, offering tours and hands-on experiences to families and individuals to see what they could install in their own homes. "So, what we try to do is invite people here so that we can sit with them, understand their goals, and what's more, you know what's most important to them, and help them to find the technology that works for them," Craig Douglass said, the chief administrative officer of Arc Human Services. Arc Human Services is a nonprofit that is dedicated to improving and supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and mental illness. "We think this will really help them. It will help them become more independent. It will help them to be able to stay in their home longer and will help keep them safe in their home and the community," Edward Picchiarini said, the CEO of Arc Human Services. The smart home appears to be any other home, but it contains numerous smart technologies to help individuals live independently. "One of the things we have in the house is a panic button. We call it our 'stranger danger' button," Douglass said. The button can be installed in each room of a home for assistance, like if someone unexpected shows up at the front door. "We tell them that they can hit this red button," Douglass said. Once the button is activated, Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant technology will begin talking and giving instructions. "They'll get a verbal prompt that says, 'Don't open the door,'" Douglass said. The front door will also automatically lock. "Then we'll get a call from a caregiver that will help provide support to that individual," Douglass said. Other options include sensors to detect when a person gets in and out of bed to either turn the lights on or off. Douglass said that in the smart home, a pathway of lights from the bedroom to the bathroom is set up to show what options are available based on an individual's needs. "This is designed to help somebody who maybe gets up in the middle of the night and they have to go to the bathroom. This is a way for us to couple, again, visual prompts to help them navigate to the toilet safely," Douglass said. Each room in the home also has a sensor to ensure safety and support. "It has an AI feature built in that learns what people are doing and is expected," Douglass said. "So, if, like, somebody was, you know, hadn't been up for two hours, and we usually see them up at eight o'clock in the morning, a caregiver will get an alert to let them know something's up." The wide range of technology can also assist in the kitchen. "One of the things we have is a smart microwave. For example, a person with autism may struggle with buttons. So instead of putting a meal in for three minutes, they might accidentally hit an extra zero, and that can be a fire hazard," Douglass said. "So this is tied with an Amazon device, and you can announce to Alexa to turn the microwave on, and it'll set the timer for you automatically." Douglass said you can also ask Alexa to assist in making macaroni and cheese. "Get your pot out of the cabinet beside the stove. The light on the cabinet should be changing colors," Alexa could be heard saying. "Fill the pot with six cups of water. The measuring cup is in the cabinet to the right of the stove. The light where it is located should be changing color." "Alexa will walk them through this routine of making macaroni and cheese," Douglass said. Picchiarini said the technology can be personalized for individual needs to support independence. "Right now, people may have staff with them 24 hours a day, and if they're able to even have a few hours on their own or short periods of time, we think that would be really great for them to be able to experience some independence like that," Picchiarini said. To set up a tour in the smart living home or for more information about ARC human services, click here.
