Innovation plays a key role in The ALS Association’s fight to develop treatments and a cure for ALS and to empower people living with ALS to live their lives to the fullest. During June and July, we are celebrating some of the key innovations helping us change the nature of the disease forever.
Assistive technology can provide a major benefit to people living with ALS and their caregivers. That is why some of the advances we have seen in recent years, thanks to generous donations from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and beyond, are so exciting.
To keep progress moving, we are committed to leveraging innovative technology at all levels to provide compassionate care and improve quality of life.
The Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter’s ‘Smart Home’ Pilot Project, which helps individuals outfit their homes with assistive technology that makes their environment more accessible, is one such example.
The chapter has partnered with Best Buy’s mobile Geek Squad for easier installation of assistive technology and continued support. Smart Home devices can include Amazon Echoes/Dots and Philips Hue lighting systems, as well as smart plugs, tablets, smart thermostats, and the Logitech Harmony Hub.
These environmental controls are either voice- or touch-activated, allowing a person living with ALS to have more control over their surroundings, while increasing their comfort and independence.
This year, the program will include therapist-led assistive technology evaluations to increase the safety and independence of people living with ALS, as well as increase rural access and decrease the digital divide.
Enabling easy access of assistive technology to all people living with ALS and connecting families to the services and networks they need is what we are all about.