{"id":5831,"date":"2025-08-07T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/?p=5831"},"modified":"2025-09-19T11:12:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T19:12:01","slug":"adulting-with-at-tech-for-living-more-independently","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/adulting-with-at-tech-for-living-more-independently\/","title":{"rendered":"Adulting with AT: Tech for Living More Independently"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Welcome back to \u201cAdulting with AT,\u201d our follow-up blog series based on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cLLd7TOcjnc\"><em>Your Future, Your Tools<\/em> webinar<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, we\u2019re taking on one of the biggest parts of growing up: <strong>living more independently<\/strong>. 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 <strong>simple physical tools<\/strong> to <strong>smart home tech<\/strong>, this post explores <strong>AT that supports your goals at home and in your community.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Adulting-with-AT-Tech-for-Living-More-Independently.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Adulting-with-AT-Tech-for-Living-More-Independently-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A smiling store employee wearing an apron stands confidently with arms crossed in the produce section. Besides text reads: \u201cWhere It\u2019s AT \u2013 The Ability Tools Blog.\u201d  \u201cAdulting with AT: Tech for Living More Independently\u201d with \u201cAbilityTools.org\u201d below.\" class=\"wp-image-5867\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Adulting-with-AT-Tech-for-Living-More-Independently-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Adulting-with-AT-Tech-for-Living-More-Independently-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Adulting-with-AT-Tech-for-Living-More-Independently-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Adulting-with-AT-Tech-for-Living-More-Independently-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Adulting-with-AT-Tech-for-Living-More-Independently-460x260.png 460w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Adulting-with-AT-Tech-for-Living-More-Independently.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hands-On Tools: AT That Keeps It Real<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_1467_ezaccess.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_1467_ezaccess.com_-1024x521.jpeg\" alt=\"Suitcase portable ramp on a step near the front door\" class=\"wp-image-5849\" width=\"783\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_1467_ezaccess.com_-1024x521.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_1467_ezaccess.com_-300x153.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_1467_ezaccess.com_-768x391.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_1467_ezaccess.com_-1536x781.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_1467_ezaccess.com_.jpeg 1585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 783px) 100vw, 783px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Daily Living Aids:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abilitysuperstore.com\/collections\/kitchen-dining-aids\"><strong>Adaptive Utensils, jar openers, and cooking supports<\/strong><\/a> make meal prep more manageable if you have grip, strength, or coordination challenges.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sevdeg.com\/\"><strong>Dressing Aid<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sevdeg.com\/product-page\/easygrabber\"><strong>Reacher\/Grabber Tools<\/strong><\/a> can help if bending, stretching, or handling buttons is tough. <\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/mrgrabbar.com\/products\/gator-grip-peened-grab-bar?variant=35553544110237&amp;country=US&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;srsltid=AfmBOorQh-T721nGHkqXEEBSlzbKoB5RNnzZba6MAsZ2JcurUD3hpxi8FnY&amp;gQT=1\"><strong>Grab Bars<\/strong><\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/ezaccess.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoq25uIfVhf2LK_8As_jcbZVdQDxj6JJec8m2sU9foLmdqCzo6sO\"><strong>Portable Ramps<\/strong><\/a> increase safety and access in bathrooms, entryways, or multi-step homes.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifewaymobility.com\/stair-lifts\/\"><strong>Stair Lifts<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allterrainmedical.com\/rollators-and-walkers\/?srsltid=AfmBOopnl_kK5UpHi91Wtth_yrEm8iYRYAAu-YdBmV3StfmrzvV9c6j-\"><strong>Walkers<\/strong><\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/justwalkers.com\/collections\/rolling-walkers\"><strong>Rollators<\/strong><\/a> provide mobility support for those with balance or fatigue issues.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncoa.org\/product-resources\/medical-alert-systems\/best-medical-alert-systems-with-fall-detection\/\">Wearable Fall Alert System (With GPS)<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theseniorlist.com\/medication\/dispensers\/\">Smart Pill Dispensers<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.android.com\/accessibility\/mobility\/\">Accessible Smartphones\/Tablets<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These tools are designed to help you do things for yourself and on your own terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Smart Tech That Makes Life Smoother<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now let\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve featured many of these in our <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/earth-day-smart-sustainable-tech\/\">Earth Day: Smart &amp; Sustainable Tech<\/a><\/strong><\/em> blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14830_www.amazon.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14830_www.amazon.com_-1024x515.jpeg\" alt=\"Under the wording &quot;Echo Devices with Alexa&quot; is a collection of different Echo devices.\" class=\"wp-image-5850\" width=\"783\" height=\"393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14830_www.amazon.com_-1024x515.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14830_www.amazon.com_-300x151.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14830_www.amazon.com_-768x386.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14830_www.amazon.com_.jpeg 1428w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 783px) 100vw, 783px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Smart Home Features:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Voice assistants<\/strong> like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/echo\"><strong>Alexa<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/home.google.com\/welcome\/\"><strong>Google Home<\/strong><\/a> can turn on lights, set alarms, create reminders, and even control appliances or thermostats.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Sonoff-Monitoring-Certified-Compatible-Supporting\/dp\/B08X2944W7\/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3UEHY6BYE7BF7&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XZlFOgMmBrME-X76nqcgbeDzajyShqNqA49Eyerzv1CrHu8JOqe-_cJlIhx_a5HjA3ogkvKffkfmi4Vibfd2dfUITXiBk54-ikpXFZrqAdkM0t-M_0-On2Ovgp5z1JDGEpFCOdn7zUg99IN-d2vyBVMjDE4hFZIgnd5wxtqWAYjBswJmH5eQez2342EsJpNXB608vsf-kAzv3kdxjwIPjR1ebID5SanD7leADyjb5CrMk2ZdlIxIeH54MAIXMomVRm6QswDIiSZLnx6jlk8N4YGWJnoBBIB2fWYV9FQwlA8.ile6m39YDoTar22bTVjP1SPUU7gXIAjXQe94GM8s058&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=smart+plugs+with+monitoring&amp;qid=1745365576&amp;sprefix=smart+plugs+with+monitoring%2Caps%2C182&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp;psc=1\">Smart plugs<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Recording-Buttons-Communication-Training-Playback\/dp\/B09WLJ5M4G\/ref=asc_df_B09WLJ5M4G?mcid=ee73fe3dba7032e9ae7323fd863748de&amp;hvocijid=18421802778079476378-B09WLJ5M4G-&amp;hvexpln=73&amp;tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=721245378154&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=18421802778079476378&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9032200&amp;hvtargid=pla-2281435181418&amp;psc=1\">switches<\/a><\/strong> let you control power with your voice or smartphone.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ring.com\/products\/video-doorbell\">Video doorbells<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-smart-locks\">smart locks<\/a><\/strong> make it easier to see who\u2019s at your door or let in a caregiver or family member.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can even <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/smart-home-device-setup-using-multiple-routines\/\">automate routines<\/a><\/strong>, like having your lights dim at bedtime or music play when you start your morning routine. Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=vGm6kGxy5UQ&amp;list=PLApyDSJ-So-HDKVo3bdwxaTM3y8VtPZ-b\"><strong>Smart Home series on YouTube<\/strong><\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/?s=smart+home\"><strong>written tutorials for step-by-step guides<\/strong><\/a> on using these devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Staying Organized and On Track<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Good organization is a huge part of living independently, and there are AT tools that help make that easier too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Smart calendars (like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cozyla.com\/products\/touchscreen-family-calendar-best-digital-calendar\">Cozyla<\/a>)<\/strong> display events and reminders in one place for you or the whole household.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/early.app\/blog\/best-free-digital-planners\/\">Digital planners<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/efficient.app\/best\/todo-list\">to-do list apps<\/a><\/strong> help you manage school, appointments, and daily tasks.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tech-Tip:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to start simple? Choose <strong>one daily task that\u2019s frustrating<\/strong>, then ask:<br><em>\u201cWhat tool could make this easier?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_142356_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_142356_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\" alt=\"Crumpled orange paper symbolizing an idea, drawn as a light bulb among chalk question marks.\" class=\"wp-image-5854\" width=\"541\" height=\"353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_142356_www.canva_.com_.jpeg 554w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_142356_www.canva_.com_-300x195.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Start there. Build up your toolkit over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not sure which tools are right for you? Don\u2019t guess, <em>test<\/em>!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/services\/device-lending-library.php\"><strong>Device Lending and Demonstration Centers (DLDCs)<\/strong><\/a> let you try out many tools before committing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_142429_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_142429_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\" alt=\"A wheelchair user smiling and petting two dogs that are climbing on him in a kitchen.\" class=\"wp-image-5855\" width=\"535\" height=\"371\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_142429_www.canva_.com_.jpeg 532w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_142429_www.canva_.com_-300x208.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 535px) 100vw, 535px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Living independently doesn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Next up in our Adulting with AT series: we\u2019ll dive into workplace success, how to bring AT into your job and where to go for support when you need it.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to \u201cAdulting with AT,\u201d our follow-up blog series based on the Your Future, Your Tools webinar! In this post, we\u2019re 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,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":5867,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[160],"tags":[8,35,5,16,212,238,76],"class_list":["post-5831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-independent-living","tag-apps-and-software","tag-daily-living-aids","tag-independence","tag-mobility","tag-organizing","tag-smart-home","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5831","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5831"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5831\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5960,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5831\/revisions\/5960"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}