UNLOCKING INDEPENDENCE: KENCREST AND REPRESENTATIVE JOE CIRESI ADVOCATE FOR LIFTING PENNSYLVANIA'S ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CAP

KenCrest's Smart Home Tour Highlights How Funding Limits Restrict Access to Life-Changing Technology

BLUE BELL, Pa., March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KenCrest Services, a leading service provider and advocate for disability rights in Pennsylvania, and PA State Rep. Joe Ciresi, host state representatives at the KenCrest Smarter Living Home in Pottstown on March 20, 2025, urging the Pennsylvania Office of Disability Programs (ODP) to take immediate action through a waiver amendment to remove the lifetime cap on Assistive Technology (AT) funding.

KenCrest's Vice President of Quality and Innovation, Gregg Kelinson, demonstrated how Assistive Technology, including items such as smart door openers, voice-controlled lighting, and adaptive communication devices benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). These tools make everyday tasks easier and improve communication, empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently, pursue education and employment, and fully engage in their communities.

KenCrest recommends removing Pennsylvania ODP's $10,000 lifetime cap on Assistive Technology funding per individual. This critical change will empower individuals with disabilities, promote inclusion and equity, and create more opportunities for a brighter, more independent future for all Pennsylvanians. Assistive Technology allows individuals with I/DD to reach their full potential. The current cap limits access to essential technology, holding many back from independence and full inclusion. "Assistive technology is truly life-changing," states Kelinson. "From screen readers for the visually impaired to communication devices for those with speech limitations, AT bridges the gap and unlocks potential. But the current cap forces individuals to make impossible choices, leaving them without the tools they need to thrive."

KenCrest highlighted the following consequences of the AT cap:

• Limited independence: Individuals with disabilities are forced to rely on others for basic tasks due to lack of necessary AT.
• Barriers to education and employment: Without proper AT, pursuing educational opportunities and competitive employment becomes significantly harder.
• Reduced participation in society: Difficulty communicating and interacting independently restricts individuals from fully engaging in their communities.

Removing the cap on AT funding is not just about fairness – it's about economic empowerment. When individuals with disabilities have the tools they need, they can participate more fully in the workforce, contribute their talents, and work toward financial independence.

About KenCrest

KenCrest has a 120-year history of service and supports adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential options, community engagement, early intervention, enabling technology, and Early Learning Centers. All of our services are designed to enhance each person's quality of life based on their individual goals and preferences.

KenCrest is proud to be Tech First Shift accredited and remains committed to expanding access to Assistive Technology (AT) to empower individuals to live independently and fully engage in their communities.

KenCrest's mission is to support community development by exploring possibilities, mobilizing resources, and empowering dreams. To learn more about our work and join our cause, please visit www.kencrest.org

Media Contact: Ellen J. Mansfield

E-Mail: [email protected] Telephone: 215 – 350-7659

SOURCE KenCrest