How Technology First Can Support Independence for People with Disabilities

Smart Home Demonstration Pods are bringing the concept of Technology First to life by showcasing how Enabling Technology can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live with greater independence, safety, privacy, and choice.

A new Demonstration Pod, located within the Incompass Michigan office in Lansing, coupled with an interactive virtual tour of the MOKA Possibility Pod located in West Michigan, provide individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, service providers, and community partners with an opportunity to see Enabling Technology in action and learn how Smart Home solutions can be tailored to individual needs.

The project stems from the Michigan Tech First Initiative, which promotes prioritizing technology when identifying supports to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Enabling Technology can include tools such as medication dispensers, motion and bed sensors, smart-home controls, flood detectors, temperature controls, voice-activated systems, and more.

“Technology First is about starting with the person and asking, ‘What technology could help this individual achieve what they want to do?’” said Todd Culver, President and CEO of Incompass Michigan.“This Demonstration Pod allows people to see that technology doesn’t have to be complicated. The right tools, selected around an individual’s goals and preferences, can open doors to greater independence.”

The emphasis on Smart Homes comes at a time when Michigan and other states are exploring technology-enabled approaches to address workforce challenges while expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to live more independently. Michigan Tech First identifies direct-care workforce shortages and turnover as important reasons for examining technology and remote supports as part of the broader system of services and supports.

Turning Technology Into Possibilities

The Lansing Smart Home Demonstration Pod is designed to provide a hands-on learning environment while the virtual tour allows for flexible, 24/7 access and resources. Both allow visitors to explore how technology can support everyday activities, including:

• Safety technology, including fall detection sensors, flood detectors, door sensors, and temperature controls.
• Medication management tools that can provide reminders or assistance with medication routines.
• Communication technology that can connect individuals with family members, caregivers, or remote support staff by request.
• Remote support technology that can connect individuals with trained staff when assistance is needed.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the Tech First philosophy emphasizes matching technology to an individual’s preferences, abilities, goals, and person-centered plan. Remote supports can provide assistance from trained staff located off-site while helping individuals maintain greater control over their daily lives.

A Resource for Michigan

The Demonstration Pod also will serve as an educational resource for the broader disability community. Visitors will be able to learn about available technologies, consider potential applications in their own homes, and explore how technology can be incorporated into individualized supports.

“This isn’t a technology showroom—it is a place to imagine what is possible,” said Laurie Morse-Dell, Chief Innovation Officer at Incompass Michigan. “We want individuals and families to be able to walk through the home, try the technology, ask questions, and determine what solutions might make sense for their lives.”

Building a Tech First Michigan

The Michigan Tech First Task Force, launched in 2025, is developing a statewide blueprint for implementing Technology First in Michigan. The initiative includes examining enabling technology, identifying promising technologies and practices, developing education and training strategies, and exploring policy and funding approaches that could expand access to technology-enabled services.

Located just two blocks from the State Capitol, Incompass Michigan invites individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, providers, policymakers, technology professionals, and community members to visit the Demonstration Pod and explore how technology can help create greater opportunities for independence.

The virtual tour of MOKA’s Possibility Pod is available on the Michigan Tech First website at incompassmi.org/michigan-tech-first.

About Michigan Tech First Task Force

Michigan Tech First is a statewide initiative focused on empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through enabling technology and remote supports. The initiative promotes a Technology First approach in which technology is considered as one potential tool for increasing independence, safety, communication, and self-determination.