Technology can improve daily life for people with disabilities. Simple tools and advanced devices can help people be more independent and rely less on support staff and family members. At the same time, technology changes fast, and it can be hard to know what tools are available and which ones actually help.

To address this, the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) held a

Technology Summit in 2025. The Summit brought together people with disabilities, experts, and community partners to look at how technology is being used in New Jersey and to identify challenges and strengths to build on.

Based on what was learned at the Summit, the NJCDD is launching Technology and Independence for People with Disabilities: Benefits and Myths. This five-part series will share information, resources, and real stories from people with disabilities across New Jersey.

Technology Summit

The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) conducted an Assistive Technology Summit and issued an Assistive Technology Summit Report in 2019. Shortly after the completion of the report, the COVID-19 Pandemic initiated a shutdown that delayed efforts to address the report’s recommendations. As part of NJCDD’s current work plan, an effort to reconvene members of the 2019 Assistive Technology Summit, as well as include new partners, to find out about advancements in technology, and what challenges have been addressed, or emerged since 2019. Read More

Download Assistive Technology Report in English
Descargar informe de tecnología asistiva en español

Myth: One Size Fits All

Technology works best when people understand that it is not “one size fits all.” For technology to work well, it must match each person’s wants, needs, and abilities before it is put in place. Summit partners agreed that technology should not be used the same way for everyone. It should be chosen for each person. Let’s learn about some of the best ways to use assistive technology.

Pepper the Robot

Myth: Technology will replace the human connection people need.

Reality: Devices like Pepper the Robot are tools that can help people with disabilities live better lives. These tools are not meant to replace people. They are meant to add support and improve what is already available. Some technology can also help keep people safe in ways staff alone cannot. Because of this, the Technology Summit recommended sharing real stories and examples to help people learn about new tools, like the one shown in this partner video.

Technology Lessons Learned

Misunderstandings about technology are common. JSDD’s Life/Home/Tech project looks at how technology is really used to help people with disabilities be more independent. Some people worry that technology will replace human connection or that individuals will not be able to use the tools they are given. To address these concerns, the Technology Summit recommended clearing up these misunderstandings. See what JSDD has learned from real-life examples.

Smart Home Technology

Every day, people across the country use smart home technology, including people with disabilities. This type of technology can help people live more independently, often without being seen or noticed. It can be used in ways that protect privacy and dignity. A key message from the Technology Summit was that smart home technology does not always mean cameras in the home. There are other tools that are less invasive and can keep people safe while still respecting their need for privacy.