Moving away from the family home can be a frightening and exhilarating prospect for any individual. With freedom and independence come new routines, responsibilities, and new possibilities. But for families who have children with autism, the transition to a more independent life is uniquely challenging and difficult to contemplate because their loved ones require so much more in the form of structure and support.
At Erik’s Ranch, we understand the requirements and demands for those with autism who may be, for the first time, about to live a more independent life. And through the use technology, we will not only provide our residents with the independence they desire, but offer their families confidence that their loved one is safe and successful in his/her new home.
Communication
Most parents and family members need to keep in close contact with their loved one with autism, and we make that easy and convenient at Erik’s Ranch. We understand that you’ll want to know what they are doing, and that they are happy and well adjusted in their new home.
The technology offered at Erik’s Ranch makes daily communication real for your family:
- By accessing our Secure Live Webcam, you’ll be able to see your son/daughter or loved one in many of their daily activities. Just consult their weekly schedule, sign on to our secure server and observe them on a live feed webcam. You can watch horse-back riding, swimming, studio artists at work, greenhouse and other activities in action.
- And email, video messaging and video phone calls are available for regular communication. After you watch a lesson or an activity, you can initiate communication to share your thoughts, or send congratulations. Or, our staff and volunteers are always available to help residents send messages to family and friends.
Goals and Progress
Each resident at Erik’s Ranch has a set of specific goals outlined in his/her Life Plan. Progress on these goals is updated electronically by our staff and, through our secure server, you’ll be able to reference this evolving information. Our team of professional therapists will work closely with your son/daughter to not only ensure success toward stated objectives, but to identify new opportunities for learning/growth on an ongoing basis.
Safety and Independence
Based on the individual developmental level of the resident, appropriate physical boundaries will be maintained, allowing physical freedom within a pre-determined safety zone. Through a small sensor placed on the shirt or belt of a resident, staff is alerted immediately if a resident attempts to leave safe boundaries. They can check on them at a moment’s notice, keeping their safety and security paramount at all times. Sensors will also be placed on doors, windows, and water supplies, allowing staff to monitor actions that are out of the ordinary, i.e. doors opening in the middle of the night, water left running, etc. Your loved one’s safety is our first priority.
Key Technology Capabilities
- Property technology coverage – 100 acre area
- Cell phone coverage throughout property for residents, staff, and visitors
- Wireless signal throughout property
- GPS Tracking system for residents
- Ability to accurately locate residents on the ER property
- Ability for staff to access tracking from hand-held device or at computer terminal
- Staff notification if residents leave property during daytime hours or if they leave their apartment for nighttime hours.
- Electronic Resident Careplan Management
- Ability for staff to access or update a resident’s “careplan” wirelessly via a hand-held device.
- Ability to automatically upload data at scheduled times and update electronic files from a wireless hand-held unit or computer terminal
- Live Web Cam capability
- Ability for friends and family members to view activities at Erik’s Ranch at specific locations real-time. For instance, family members can see his/her daughter/son swimming, riding horses, working on a lifelong learning goal, or painting a picture.
- Video Phone Communications
- Since many residents cannot talk/ or have limited speech, provide the ability for residents to see and hear family members would be of great comfort to family members.
