Phill Kirk knows the power of assistive technology.

Over the past few years, smart devices and iPhone technology have changed his ability to live independently at home and navigate his community.

As an Ohio Tech Ambassador and a member of the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD) Board of Directors, he was excited when he found out that the Board was partnering with Red Heart Homes LLC — a local housing corporation — to create a “smart apartment” in a home in Newark. 

On Sept. 24, Phill had the opportunity to tour the space, alongside LCBDD staff, city and county leaders and community partners.

LCBDD Assistive Technology Service Coordinator Amanda Brehm showed him some of the more complex technology, such as fall/motion sensors, a smart oven, med dispensers and smart lights, as well as more simple items, such as an automatic pot stirrer and an accessible cutting board. 

“I think when people come in and see what tech is out there that can make their lives easier, they’ll say ‘This is really cool,’” he said.

After the tour, Phill joined the other guests outside the home to watch Alex Corwin, Superintendent/CEO of LCBDD, and Regan Eveland, CEO of Center for Disability Services and Red Heart Homes, cut the ribbon. It was a moment eight years in the making.

Center for Disability Services (CDS) has a long history of providing accessible housing in Licking County. Several years ago, the DD provider agency strengthened that commitment with the creation of Red Heart Homes.

Partnering with LCBDD to access Community Capital Assistance (CCA) funds from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Red Heart Homes has been purchasing, renovating and building homes around the Newark area, increasing options for people with disabilities looking for rental housing. 

When one of CDS’ longtime homes, on North Gay Street in Newark, was showing signs of aging, the Red Heart team began working with Angie Finck, LCBDD’s Chief Operations Officer to come up with a plan.

The first step was to find a new home for the three residents on Gay Street. Using land from the Licking County Land Bank and funds from CCA, Red Heart Homes built a new house on King Avenue. Once the home was finished in 2024 and the new residents moved in, the Gay Street home was demolished and construction began on a new home.

The building project allowed Red Heart Homes and LCBDD to address several community needs. 

Many people supported by LCBDD who are looking for housing, request to live alone, but one-bedroom apartments are often hard to find. LCBDD also has a need for transitional housing — when someone is displaced or faces an emergency situation. 

LCBDD has worked closely with CDS in the past on different projects to help people they support get more comfortable with assistive technology. 

Ultimately, the partners decided on a plan that would address all those concerns — the new one-story home on Gay Street would offer a one-bedroom apartment, available for a tenant with disabilities. A second one-bedroom apartment would be used for transitional housing and assistive tech demonstrations.

“It’s been great partnering with LCBDD to provide this much needed housing to people with I/DD in our community, Regan said.  “This was not a small project but it was rewarding to see it all come together.  We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing the partnership so that we can build on our mission of improving the lives of people with I/DD.”

LCBDD received a microgrant from the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities to purchase the tech equipment for the home and entered a contract with LifeBridge, which will provide remote support when the apartment is in use, Amanda said.

Assistive tech solutions can be customized for each person, but sometimes the best way to determine what works is to try out different options, she said. 

The apartment will give people with disabilities and their caregivers the opportunity to see what’s possible in a setting that feels like a home.

It will also be available for LCBDD staff members and other community partners to take tours and learn about the different options.

Ultimately, the goal is that people supported by LCBDD could spend a few days in the apartment to experience how the technology might work in their daily routines.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to CDS/Red Heart Homes and LifeBridge for our partnership so that people have opportunities to check out technology-based supports,” Amanda said.

“Having a livable space created and maintained through this partnership, where people can stay and try out technology at their own pace without rushing – it’s a unique opportunity that I’m thrilled we can offer.”

Getting hands-on experience with assistive tech is important, Phill said. Not only does it help people feel more comfortable with something new, but it is a good reminder that it might take a while to find the right fit or an ideal setup. But the patience is worth it, he said.

“All the stuff I’ve got, it’s changed my life,” he said. “I think this is going to be a game changer for people.”