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.

Discover the Latest Features in Luma Security Cameras

Security cameras have come a long way since green blobs depicted humans in the dark. Today, they are ultra-clear, intelligent, and proactive. They alert you when something unusual occurs, or a stranger enters your property. They know the difference between rustling leaves, humans, animals, and vehicles. 

Are you still getting annoying notifications whenever the wind blows, or a cat sets off the motion detector? 

If so, it’s time for a change.

Luma 4K security cameras are one of the brands making headlines due to their innovations and extremely bright images. Here, we’ll explore their latest customized 4K high-definition cameras and how they’re designed for smart home living. 

Let Your Smart Home Manage Everyday Living for You

For those of you who have started accruing smart devices, you know the ease of living they provide. No more getting up from the couch to close the shades and dim the lights when it’s movie night. Now, you pull one app up for the shades and another for the lights, allowing you to manage each device separately from the comfort of your den. 

So, where does home automation fit in? 

This smart technology takes an unfathomable leap into smart home living. It creates the perfect atmosphere for life's unique occasions with one touch or voice command, or simply by your presence. At Horner Networks, we partner with Control4, the global leader in home automation platforms. Together, we make life easier, more beautiful, and incredibly fun. 

Let’s see how it’s done. 

Create the Perfect Gathering Spot with Outdoor Solutions

Outdoor living is all about bringing people together in a space that’s both functional and inviting to enjoy the natural world. Ohio is famous for its outdoor environment, and smart technology is key to turning patios and backyards into linking your home to the wilderness. Imagine throwing a movie night under the stars, jamming to your favorite tunes in the garden, or setting a relaxing mood with innovative lighting. With a little creativity and the right tech, these dreams can easily become reality. Here’s how to enhance outdoor areas while keeping things sleek and stylish.