For much of his adult life, Jeremy Collins was heavily supervised in a group home. But today, the 31-year-old with Down syndrome has his own townhouse and is independent 25 percent of the time, all thanks to technology.

Collins’ transition to more independent living was possible because of a system of electronic sensors that help to ensure he is safe when he’s home alone.

Sensors notify a monitoring company if Collins opens the door after 11 p.m. or if he forgets to take his medication, for example. His home is also equipped with other safety features, like a keypad to turn on the stove.

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If a possible problem is detected, Collins’ parents or other family and friends are notified so that they can check on him by phone.

For Collins, living independently has offered an opportunity to show off the life skills he worked hard to learn at the group home — like paying his rent on time — his parents say.

It’s also reduced the cost of his care since he needs attendants with him fewer hours of the day.

“This promotes more independence for him, which is a win-win,” Collins’ father told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. To read more click here.

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