Good News Friday!

Imagine!’s two SmartHomes continue to garner national and even international attention. As the first two homes in the nation to use technology in a comprehensive way to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, more and more organizations and thought leaders in the field are recognizing that Imagine!’s innovative and forward-thinking SmartHomes can serve as a model for the future of residential care.

Additionally, interested parties are learning how the various technologies, or SmartSupports, being tested and refined in Imagine!’s SmartHomes can offer solutions geared toward allowing individuals with disabilities to live independently, or with their families and loved ones, for longer periods of time.

For example, more than 500 visitors have taken a tour of either the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder or the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont, and many have toured both homes. People taking the tour have come from all across the nation, and as far away as England, France, and Russia.

Below are some photos of national and international VIPs who have toured our SmartHomes and seen first-hand how technology is improving the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

U.S. Congressman Cory Gardner

Jan Matthysen, Belgium Ambassador to the United States

Rob McNeill, Vice Consul and Trade & Investment Officer, Information and Communication Technology for the British Consulate-General

Angelos Pangratis, Chargé d’ Affaires and Acting Head of Delegation of the European Union to the United States

U.S. Congressman Jared Polis

Marguerite Salazar, Regional Director for Region VIII of the US Department of Health and Human Services

U.S. Senator Mark Udall

You don’t have to be a big shot to tour the SmartHomes, though. If you are interested in taking a tour, just sign up online by clicking here.