MASON CITY, Iowa — Clear Lake nonprofit One Vision is participating in a new program called “Smart Living” that utilizes technology to help individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities live independently.

One Vision installs a custom arrangement of smart technology into an individual’s home to assist and monitor them remotely, eliminating the need for 24/7 support and allowing the nonprofit to expand.

Established in 1966, One Vision offers a variety of services for those with disabilities, including employment services, job training, assistive care and group housing. The nonprofit serves more than 300 individuals in 20 communities across North Iowa, from as far north as Lake Mills all the way to Fort Dodge in the south. One Vision also operates a thrift store and has an assisted living home for the elderly.

One Vision CEO Mark Dodd says participation in the Smart Living program comes after struggles with staffing for what they call “passive assistance” — persons with disabilities who don’t require around-the-clock care but are still at risk for injuries like falls and need someone present in case of an emergency. Dodd says transitioning to Smart Living allows One Vision to redirect staff more efficiently and create more openings.

“We are facing a workforce shortage. … We know that the workforce population growth in our rural areas is projected to be essentially stagnant over the coming 10 years,” Dodd said. “The idea that we can reduce our staffing demands means that we are creating capacity in this organization to have some of our staff go over and support the folks that need that 24-hour support.”

One Vision hopes to expand Smart Living from the current 20 individuals being served to 60 by February.

“We have a great working relationship with the state and the managed care organizations, so we’re just working with them on how do we coordinate this expansion in a way that’s sustainable,” Dodd said. One Vision installed its first set of custom technology into a client’s home in June 2023.

One Vision chief operating officer Kelly Hinds said independence and privacy are important to those with disabilities. Sometimes individuals who need care feel pressure to do activities they think the provider might like instead of what they would do if they were alone.

“With our presence just being there, we’re influencing what they’re choosing to do or not to do throughout the day,” Hinds said.

Enter Smart Living. Using a wide variety of smart technology — including devices like virtual assistants, motion sensors, in-home video screens, and even large appliances like kitchen stoves that are cool to the touch — OneVision staff can support clients remotely, allowing them to live independently, secure in the knowledge a staff member is the touch of a button away. It also gives staff the flexibility to work from home.

Javen Swann, One Vision’s Smart Living services manager, said setups differ from one person to the next. One individual might need a smart door lock to prevent night-time wandering. Another might have motion sensors around the home programmed to detect falls or seizures.

“We really create a customized plan based upon the individual’s needs and the technology,” Swann said.

All residences have two-way screens equipped to video call, so staff can always be reached or check on an individual. It’s similar to a Facetime call, but encrypted to be HIPAA compliant. Hinds said safety is the first priority, and in-person staff are always available if needed.

“We’re there in case there’s a what-if situation,” Hinds said. Swann agreed. “As good as technology is, not everything can be replaced. … We can jump in once we get an alert, and provide them the support that they need for that. This takes out us being part of their entire life, and only being there if they need it,” he said.

Swann said the program’s success is apparent in how it changes lives. One client needed someone to wake them up in the morning before Smart Living. One Vision installed a smart lightbulb, an alarm clock, and an automatic pill machine to dispense morning medication. Sensors alert someone if the person doesn’t get up or take their medication. The client’s mother told staff it improved their relationship — there is no longer a struggle each morning to get out the door.

“Something, historically, he had been so dependent on someone else to do he’s now doing completely on his own,” Swann said.

Dodd said he is pleased with how Smart Living was going.

“It’s going to give us the opportunity to continue to create capacity and expand and grow as an organization and serve more folks,” Dodd said, “and they’re loving their independence.”

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