The first-of-its-kind in the nation
and perhaps the world, our high-tech computerized "smart home"
allows six residents to live
an environment
where they can independently act on their choices with the
exceptional assistive technology in their own home. A
single-family home set in a suburban neighborhood, Gizmo House
allows its residents to control everything in the house through a
touch-screen mounted on
each of their wheelchairs.
Residents operate
everything from
rotating
pantry shelves and countertop height to speakerphones
and doors. Gizmo has been deemed by the media as the ultimate
independent living and learning environment.
"Our
Center's whole philosophy is to 'Discover Abilities and Build Independence',"
said Jim McGuire, executive director of the Center. "While our residents
lived at the Ann Storck Center in Fort Lauderdale, they discovered their
abilities. We just helped by building a home where they could have their
independence."
The
staff knew they had children and adults who presented severe and multiple
disabilities but who could live virtually assistance free if they found
the right technology. The Dream Team assembled for Gizmo House achieved
that goal. The team, comprised of Bruce Wrobel of South Eastern Design,
Ed Elwell of John R. Elwell Construction and Wayne Jessup of Harper and
Associates are the technology designer, contractor and architect (respectively)
whose collective talents made this dream come true.
After
raising $800,000 for the development of Gizmo House, the Ann Storck Center
is planning to raise an additional $500,000 for the sequel, Project H.O.P.E.
(Home of Personal Excellence). The Center has property and is working with
Harper Partners to design the similar type home for younger residents.
"In the past two years
the Center has gained considerable expertise and experience in the application
of assistive technology," McGuire said. "It is our dream that there
will be no boundaries to the levels of independence that these individuals
will achieve as a result of the wedding of technology, architectural adaptation
and a commitment to caring within the Ann Storck Center."
"We created a unique wheelchair
mounted custom touchscreen application that enables each resident to operate
everything; doors, speakerphones and table tops, with a touch
of an image," said Wrobel. "A resident chooses from several Gizmo
icons within their view by pressing the image. It signals the computer
that they want to control that object and then they can run all the components."
"Gizmo House is the standard
by which all future group homes will be measured," said Marvin Gutter,
president of the Ann Storck Center's
Board of Directors.
"It
will not only change the lives of its six young residents, but may potentially
and very positively impact the lives of 50 million Americans with developmental
disabilities."
Please go to the
Videos Section to see the Opening of Gizmo House!
