our stories
The Magic of Technology
When Apple introduced the iPad® in 2010, the company declared the new device "magical." While skeptics rolled their eyes, one Dakota Communities resident was a shining example of what becomes possible with the help of technology.
At Dakota Communities, the iPad's user-friendly touch screen is "pure magic" and a therapeutic marvel for people with disabilities. For Laura, who is fifty-three years old and has Down syndrome, the iPad is much more than a high-tech toy. It is a gateway to independence that allows her to listen to her favorite music, stay connected to her family and improve her dexterity. With the touch of a screen, Laura downloads applications that are designed to compliment her needs and abilities. She once listened to her favorite country music stars on cassette tapes, CDs and MP3s using technology that someone else had to operate. Now Laura can independently download the music of Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash on the iPad she received last Christmas as a gift from her family and Dakota Communities donors.
Adaptive technology increases engagement, independence and satisfaction
by accounting for unique abilities
Laura, who lives at Dakota Communities' Big Lake home, also looks at her favorite family photographs on her iPad and performs exercises that improve her hand-eye coordination. Julie Peterson, Laura's Personal Advocate for almost twenty-five years, loves exploring the possibilities of the iPad alongside Laura. "You don't know what someone can do unless you give them the tools to try," she says.
Growing Friendships, Growing Volunteers
Randy enjoys games like Uno and Yahtzee so much he was ready for a few new friendly competitors. And given his desire to help others as well, he realized a volunteer position at a local nursing home would be the ideal way to make some new friends while helping others. With the assistance of his direct support professional, Randy has played board games at GracePointe Crossing nursing home every week over the last three years. As Randy says, “I get to have fun doing what I love while I am contributing time to others.” And the residents he visits are thrilled to have such an enthusiastic visitor.
Volunteer jobs are not always accessible for people with disabilities like Randy. Fortunately he found a volunteer position with an organization willing to make accommodations to capitalize on his strengths. Through Randy’s partnership with GracePointe Crossing and the support of Dakota Communities, he has expanded his social network and found a way to bring joy to others who look forward to his visits. He enthusiastically says, “Through my volunteer work, I have been able to make new friends.”
More than just fun, friendships can “yield a multitude of long-term physical and emotional health benefits,” according to author Madeline Vann. She adds, “Maintaining positive relationships should rank up there with healthy eating and exercise as a necessary investment in your health.” Randy and his close friends at GracePointe Crossing would surely agree.
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