United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut tries to address senior citizen isolation

Sep. 4—United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut has expanded its assistive technology services into Fairfield County as of Sept. 1, to add to the services that the organization has provided to residents in the New London, Windham, Middlesex and New Haven counties.

The nonprofit organization has expanded its assessment, device demonstration, and lending program with its partners: The Connecticut Tech Act Project, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation, and the East End NRZ Market & Cafe at 1852 Stratford Ave. in Bridgeport.

The focus of the program is also to help to identify the types of technology equipment that is needed for senior citizens in the East End of Bridgeport as a way to address social isolation. Tablets, iPads, and smart home technology will help senior citizens maintain their health, and safety in their own homes, and allow them to connect to their community. Technology assessments, and demonstrations are taking place in community settings, and remotely.

The organization has also opened a new Assistive Technology Lending and Accessibility Services Center at 300 Long Beach Blvd. #1 in Stratford. Senior citizens and people with disabilities can visit the center by appointment by calling (860) 443-3800, ext. 308.

"Social isolation reached an all-time high during the pandemic for seniors and people with disabilities," said Jennifer Keatley, executive director of United Cerebral Palsy.

"When you consider the Pew research, which states that one in four Americans live with a disability that interferes with activities of daily living, and a recent national survey that reports 90 percent of Americans age 50 and over want to 'Age in Place,' the problems of isolation cannot be ignored. Despite the overwhelming numbers, few people are aware of how to do that safely," Keatley said.

Assistive technology tools help seniors and people with disabilities with mobility, communication, cognition, learning, vocational support and independent living.

United Cerebral Palsy's assistive technology services include technology demonstrations, in person, remote, to explain how new technology can be applied, and used, as well as free technology loans, so people can try new technology before they buy it, to ensure that it meets their specific needs.

To find out more about the program, interested individuals can contact Shannon Taber at 860-443-3800 ext. 111 or at staber@ucpect.org.

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