Empowering Possibilities SmartWatch-Enabled Technology for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities PRESENTED BY: Lauren Vohland, Executive Director GoodLife Innovations, Inc.
A collaboration between CareSource, Awake Labs, The University of Kansas, and GoodLife Innovations
The Pilot GoodLife received a grant to explore wearable technology for individuals with IDD. GOAL:Use biofeedback alerts from the smartwatch to assist with emotional and behavioral interventions
LEADERSHIP INSIGHT: As a leader, I am always seeking ways to push innovation while balancing realistic implementation challenges.
Research Questions & Hypothesis ● Can smartwatch biofeedback improve emotional regulation and behavior interventions? ● Can staff use real -time emotional-state notifications to provide proactive support? HYPOTHESIS: Smartwatches would help individuals self -monitor and assist staff in identifying acute support needs.
LEADERSHIP INSIGHT: At this stage, I had to ensure we had the right resources, team, and structure in place to test this concept.
Pilot Implementation DURATION 12-month study
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DEVICES USED Fitbit smartwatches
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PARTICIPANTS
SETTINGS
15adults with IDD with varying abilities & support needs, from extensive to minimal assistance
Various community-based living environments, including:
2 direct support professionals (DSP)
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Shift based, Shared living, Intermittent staffing
Barriers Encountered Wearability Issues: ● Not all participants liked wearing the watch consistently Charging & Connectivity Problems: ● Devices required frequent charging ● Connectivity issues when off Wifi Data Reliability & Syncing Challenges: ● Inconsistent data collection ● Delayed or missing alerts
LEADERSHIP INSIGHT: These challenges reinforced the need for flexibility, clear communication, and iterative problem-solving throughout the pilot.
Key Adjustments & Learnings Isolated pilot to one program with individuals who: ● Had a high skill set ● Were eager to participate ● Had consistent staff for troubleshooting Found more success in environments where staff could provide hands -on support.
LEADERSHIP INSIGHT: I had to rally the team, align resources, and encourage persistence, even when results weren’t as expected.
Participation Data ● 6 adults and 2 DSP’s maintained their participation throughout the majority of the pilot. ● The others withdrew or were discontinued due to implementation barriers.
Case Study Example ●
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Individual Profile: ○
High skill level
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Independent in the community
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Participated for 4 months
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Wore the smartwatch51.9% of the time (8.2 hrs/day)
Findings: ○
Data showed heightened emotional states consistently on Mondays
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Identified waiting for transportation as a high-stress trigger
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Implemented engagement strategies during wait times , leading to reported improvement
Participant Feedback ●
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Positive Responses: ○
“I liked seeing how my mood changed throughout the day.”
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“The watch reminded me to breathe when I was stressed.”
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“It helped me understand my emotions better.”
Challenges Identified: ○
“Notifications were too vague and didn’t always help.”
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“The watch needs to sync better when off Wifi.”
LEADERSHIP INSIGHT: Understanding participant feedback was crucial for refining the approach—listening and adapting were key leadership lessons.
Outcome Limitations Data Gaps: ● Not all precursor behaviors could be accurately measured ● Notification delays prevented timely staff intervention Implementation Barriers: ● Smartwatches not consistently worn ● Limited ability to measure stress -to-crisis patterns reliably
LEADERSHIP INSIGHT: The ability to recognize and acknowledge limitations is just as important as celebrating wins.
Key Takeaways & Future Considerations The pilot was not a large-scale success, but valuable lessons were learned. Future pilots should: ● Ensure devices are more adaptable to real -life conditions (battery life, connectivity) ● Improve data sync capabilities for real -time use Technology is rapidly advancing—this concept could be more viable in the near future.
LEADERSHIP INSIGHT: As a leader, I remainoptimistic and forward -thinking , understanding that pioneering innovation comes with trial and error .
Leadership Reflections LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT ADAPTABILITY. Throughout this pilot, I had to shift between problem -solving, motivating the team, and refining our approach.
Overcoming Buy-In Challenges: One of the biggest leadership challenges is ensuring all levels of the organization see the value in an initiative.
Even when individuals are far removed from the direct benefits , creating a shared vision and long term perspective is essential.
Communication and advocacy are critical in helping stakeholders see the bigger picture and future potential.
Final Takeaway: 1. This project reinforced my belief that leadership is about rallying people around innovation, even when results are uncertain. 2. Beingstrategic, persistent, and adaptableis key todriving meaningful change in a rapidly evolving space.