DIY: Get Smart About Smart Homes

Join Us on July 10th for DIY...Get Smart About Smart Homes!

How can you make your home…smarter? An explosion of new IoT (Internet of Things) devices promises to make it possible for individuals with disabilities to have greater control over their lives and homes. Smart home technology can do such things as turn on/off lights and fans, identify who's at the door and allow entry, control thermostats, make phone calls and more! While some of these devices are customized, many are generic, which means that they can be purchased off-the-shelf. This often makes them more affordable and easier-to-use. This presentation will focus on defining and learning about generic smart home devices as well as exploring funding possibilities.

Speaker Bios:

Susan Tachau is a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF). Ms. Tachau is the project director for PATF's Generic Smart Home Technology grant that is funded by PA's Developmental Disabilities Council. She is also a co-author of the financial education book Cents and $ensibility: A Guide to Money Management. Ms. Tachau serves on several Boards of Directors and advisory committees, including the PA ABLE Coalition, National Disability Institute (NDI), the Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services Advisory Council, the Technology Subcommittee of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), and HomeWorks, a micro-board that supports individuals with disabilities who are living independently in Montgomery County.

Kirby Smith is the founder and President of SunKirb Ideas, LLC. His wife and partner in the business is Suria Nordin. Kirby has over 30 years of experience in technology and customer service. In July of 2014, his wife, Suria, was injured and sustained a spinal cord injury. He found the technology being offered to improve her life was outdated, expensive, and very limited due to customizations. Suddenly, simple everyday things were challenging. They solved those issues and July 2015 formed a company to offer these solutions to others. SunKirb Ideas, LLC offers affordable off-the-shelf consumer-based solutions through technology to give those with disabilities and unique challenges the ability to be more independent and have more control of their environment.