Technology Tuesday

In fall of 2018, Imagine!’s Director of Service Operations Shannon Kluth made a public statement that the efforts of integrating technology into Imagine! services will be taken to the next level, launching the Technology Initiative. “This initiative is meant to differentiate ourselves from other organizations through the integration of technology into the lives of the people we serve,” stated Shannon. The main priority is to increase self-reliance for the individuals Imagine! serves and to assist them in living fulfilling and healthy lives.

Since the launch of the Technology Initiative, Imagine! services have seen an uptick in creative activities and technology usage. Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source (CLS) department teaches an Assistive Technology class several times a week and has incorporated a couple of neat concepts to the classes:

Virtual Reality

Once a week, the class visits Reality Garage on Pearl Street in Boulder, a studio specializing in creating XR experiences (virtual, augmented, and mixed reality). Participants can go for a hike on an exotic mountain top, skydive, or experience a jungle safari. “It simply increases the quality of life,” said Imagine! Assistive Technology Specialist Chris Baumgart. “Our clients might not otherwise be able to experience these activities due to mobility or financial reasons.”

Along with simulating recreational experiences, Reality Garage plans to build Imagine! a virtual job site later this year. This will provide clients with a virtual workspace to practice job skills and tasks before actually stepping foot into the workplace.

Apple Store Field Trip

The weekly iPad class took a field trip to the Apple store on Twenty Ninth Street Mall in Boulder. Apple staff designated a table for Imagine!, supplied iPads for everyone to use, and taught a class in “how to make your own Emoji!” Clients learned how to communicate in creative ways using the iPads. The Apple staff members were very welcoming and friendly, and it was a successful class!

Assistive Technology Program Supervisor Meagan Little works at our CLS site in Longmont and has played a large role in turning fun ideas into these tangible activities and meaningful classes. “Technology is a big part of my life, and I want to assist the individuals we serve in having the same experiences,” said Meagan. Instructors Erin Schram and Zoe Rolfe have played important roles as well.

Just as modern technology is always evolving, so will the Technology Initiative at Imagine!. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to integrate technology into Imagine! services, all while creating a world of opportunity for all abilities.