Custom Technology Helps Autistic Students Develop Life Skills 

The Cardinal Autism Resource and Education School (CARES) was founded over a decade ago with the help of Mentor Public Schools in Northeast Ohio. Its directive is to develop independence skills for autistic students aged 5 to 22, supporting students through non-traditional teaching methods and exposure to real-life experiences. 

It provides a nurturing environment designed to help students reach their full potential by addressing individual needs and developing students’ strengths. Christy LaPaglia, CARES Director, shared one of their goals, “Along with academic skills, we wanted to teach kids how to live independently.”

As they recognized the success of their program and the changes it was making in their students' lives, Christy realized the need for a custom home that would embody an authentic learning environment. 

The CARES house was born and officially opened for the 2024-2025 school year. Today, CARES hosts students from 16 school districts in Northeast Ohio and has designed the program and the house to be replicated in other school districts nationwide. 

At Horner Networks, we feel privileged to be a part of this impactful project. Our task was to integrate technology that could help empower the autistic students in the home. We worked alongside ThenDesign Architecture, a firm that donated its services to support this extremely worthy cause, and the Mentor Public Schools’ IT department to create the unique customized technology that improves students' lives.  

Here are a few of the technologies we provided.

SEE ALSO: The Magic of Home Automation

Specialized Lighting Systems

This lighting system supports students by adjusting colors throughout the day. These colors indicate when it's time to wake up, the end of an activity, and also when it's time for bed. These sensory cues help students adjust more smoothly to daily routines. 

To accomplish this, we integrated Proluxe color-changing linear lighting. This advanced, low-profile lighting solution can be installed in discrete locations. When reflected off the ceiling, it can mimic the sky, and when installed under cabinets, it reduces shadows, making tasks much easier to perform. 

All of the technology in the home is controlled by Control4, our preferred home automation platform due to its reliability and versatility. 

Integrated Monitors and Video Displays

We built a video display into the bathroom mirror that walks students through various hygiene routines. 

Monitors stationed throughout the home instruct students by displaying tasks and chores. These displays encourage self-direction and are seamlessly integrated into the environment.

We used a Seura Mirror TV for the bathroom, while a QNAP Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive offers centralized data storage for multiple devices. 

Centralized Sound System

A house-wide sound system provides students with verbal cues to help them transition between activities.

Non-verbal students can communicate by pushing dedicated buttons on the walls. These buttons help them to easily express their needs or choices.

Origin Acoustics in-ceiling speakers, Triad amplifiers, and their audio matrix are the technologies behind this centralized sound system. These in-ceiling speakers offer 360-degree sound dispersion and high-performance audio, providing crystal-clear sound while maintaining the home’s aesthetics.

Parents with students in the CARES program have expressed the difference this home, tailored for students with autism, has made in their children’s lives.

We’d like to thank Mentor CARES for allowing us to play a part in this innovative program. To learn more about the role technology can play in supporting programs such as these, contact Horner Networks.