Rebecca Photographed Enjoying One Of Her Chores

This photo was taken last night at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

We’ve written a lot about how the technology at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome has improved the quality of life for the residents, but in spite of all the great, useful technology in the house, the floors still need to be cleaned by a person. At this point in time there is not a robot at the home that can mop the floor so Rebecca is doing that as one of her chores. She sure seemed to be enjoying herself, and she's getting exercise at the same time.

Also, she is not sitting down on the job, Rebecca uses a walker for safe mobility, and that's what she's sitting on.

Gerald Speaks About His Upcoming Birthday

This blog post was submitted via an audio email from Gerald, who lives at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder. In this post, Gerald did not use his Dynavox computer to communicate, he vocalized his responses to questions he was asked by one of the staff members from his home. Gerald is very skilled at using his Dynavox, but he is also working hard to improve his oral communication skills. Although some of the questions presented to Gerald required only "yes" or "no" responses, Gerald seemed pleased to have had a successful interview for the audio email. 

Staff: What’s going on soon that you are excited about?
Gerald: My birthday.

Staff: Is it in February?
Gerald: Um hum.

Staff: February 10?
Gerald: Yeah.

Staff: If you could have one present for your birthday what would it be?
Gerald: A fire truck.

Staff: Do you get excited when you see the people around town when they’re fighting fires in their big truck? Gerald: Uh huh.

Staff: What else are you doing on your birthday? Are you going out?
Gerald: Going out to eat.

Staff: Do you know which restaurant you’re going to?
Gerald: Three Margaritas.

Staff: But you’re not going to have three margaritas are you?
Gerald: No.
Staff: OK, good. Happy birthday G.

This photo was taken last Saturday night at a dinner/dance Gerald attended in Berthoud.

What Did One Fly Say To The Other Fly?

This blog post was sent via an audio email last night by John, who is a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder. The residents of that home have access to audio email software, and John has learned how to send the audio emails without assistance from anyone.

Hi, I know it’s kind of late but I’m trying to make an email for you. How are things going for you? I hope to see you again sometime soon. I saw you last week outside (our Advocacy Council meeting) and so please tell Lou Ella hello for me.

I have a really good joke. “What did the fly say to the other fly?” It said, “Buzz off.” I’m going to have to find new jokes for next time, but I had to tell you that good one tonight. Talk to you later, bye.

Aneta Tells Us "My Mom Taught Me How To Read"

This blog post was provided to us in a face to face interview with Aneta, who is a resident at Foothills Group Home.  This is the third segment of the interview.

My mom taught me how to read. She told me that someday she’d be gone and she wanted me to know how to read. I like poetry, Emily Dickenson is one of my favorites. I had trouble with algebra though. When it got to letters instead of numbers, that was difficult. Mom was a teacher so I had to graduate from high school. I did graduate and it was the happiest day of my life. My brother knows calculus, and I’m lucky to know that one plus one equals two, but I can spell better than he can!

Chris Says "Christmas Is All About Family"

This blog post was submitted via an audio email from Chris, who is a resident at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder. Chris had been discussing Christmas with his housemates, and came up with a brief, insightful comment.

What I love about Christmas is it’s not all about the presents, it’s all about family.

Mandy Says "Valentine's Day Is Very Important"

This blog post was sent via an audio email from Mandy, who is a resident at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

Hi, this is Mandy. I like Valentine’s Day because of all the neat stuff and all the candy they have out and the conversation hearts that they have.

I think Valentine’s Day is just a very important day to people.

My mother is a florist, so she works a lot (that day). It’s the biggest holiday of the year for her. She has 18 drivers just out delivering flowers. She’s got 35 people total working for her on Valentine’s Day.

(When asked what her favorite thing about Valentine’s Day is, Mandy replied, “ I don’t know, the balloons I guess.”

Bye.

(NOTE: One of the best parts of this audio email was hearing Mandy’s housemate Chris in the background providing support and saying, “Awesome Mandy” when she finished).

This photo was taken at Mandy's birthday party, with someone comparing the design
on one of Mandy's birthday cards to the shirt she was wearing.

John Has A Busy Week Ahead

This blog post was sent to John’s friend Gary via an audio email that John composed on his computer last Thursday at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome where John lives.

Hi. This is your friend John speaking. I’m sending the message email to you and I just want to say hello. Happy Thursday before Friday.

I want to let you know that next Thursday night I’m going to the Boulder Dinner Theater to see "42nd Street" which is really a fun thing. I’m going to the National Western Stock Show on January 26th, that’s on a Saturday, and then the prom after that. (John is attending a prom in Berthoud this Saturday night)  

I’ve got to let you know that my work in the Hungry Toad went really good. I hope you’ll come to that place (The Hungry Toad) and take a picture. I’ll talk to you later, bye.