Welcome back to “Adulting with AT,” our follow-up blog series based on the Your Future, Your Tools webinar!

In this post, we’re taking on one of the biggest parts of growing up: living more independently. Whether that means moving into your own place, managing your daily routine, or handling things like cooking, cleaning, or organizing, AT can help you build the life you want with confidence. From simple physical tools to smart home tech, this post explores AT that supports your goals at home and in your community.

Hands-On Tools: AT That Keeps It Real

Not every AT device is high-tech. In fact, many of the tools that make a big difference at home are simple, physical items you can hold, use, or keep nearby.

Daily Living Aids:

• Adaptive Utensils, jar openers, and cooking supports make meal prep more manageable if you have grip, strength, or coordination challenges.
• Dressing Aid and Reacher/Grabber Tools can help if bending, stretching, or handling buttons is tough.
• Grab Bars & Portable Ramps increase safety and access in bathrooms, entryways, or multi-step homes.
• Stair Lifts and Walkers/Rollators provide mobility support for those with balance or fatigue issues.
• Wearable Fall Alert System (With GPS)
• Smart Pill Dispensers
• Accessible Smartphones/Tablets

These tools are designed to help you do things for yourself and on your own terms.

Smart Tech That Makes Life Smoother

Now let’s talk digital. Smart home tech and apps can reduce effort, keep you on track, and help you manage your space without needing to rely on someone else for reminders or assistance.

We’ve featured many of these in our Earth Day: Smart & Sustainable Tech blog.

Smart Home Features:

• Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home can turn on lights, set alarms, create reminders, and even control appliances or thermostats.
• Smart plugs and switches let you control power with your voice or smartphone.
• Video doorbells and smart locks make it easier to see who’s at your door or let in a caregiver or family member.

You can even automate routines, like having your lights dim at bedtime or music play when you start your morning routine. Check out our Smart Home series on YouTube and our written tutorials for step-by-step guides on using these devices.

Staying Organized and On Track

Good organization is a huge part of living independently, and there are AT tools that help make that easier too.

• Smart calendars (like Cozyla) display events and reminders in one place for you or the whole household.
• Digital planners and to-do list apps help you manage school, appointments, and daily tasks.

Tech-Tip:

Want to start simple? Choose one daily task that’s frustrating, then ask:
“What tool could make this easier?”

Start there. Build up your toolkit over time.

Not sure which tools are right for you? Don’t guess, test!

Our Device Lending and Demonstration Centers (DLDCs) let you try out many tools before committing.

They’ll help you figure out what works for your body, space, and routine. AT supports independence by giving you more control over your space, your schedule, and your safety. Explore what works for your life, your way.

Living independently doesn’t mean doing everything alone, it means having the right tools and supports in place so you can do more of what matters to you. From setting up a smart home to using simple daily living aids, assistive technology gives you more control over your environment, your time, and your life.

Next up in our Adulting with AT series: we’ll dive into workplace success, how to bring AT into your job and where to go for support when you need it.