Coming Home with Confidence: The Power of Assistive Technology
Lando Crawford is proud to call Dickinson, North Dakota, home. Originally from Baker, Montana, he enjoys the larger community, and the increased opportunities Dickinson offers. “Hi, I’m Lando Crawford. I enjoy living in Dickinson, ND because it’s a bigger town than where I’m from in Baker, MT”, he shares. “I have a house that I rent in Dickinson, but the trouble was not having enough support staff to come in and lend a hand.”
The Challenge of Staffing Shortages
Like many individuals with disabilities, Lando faced a major obstacle: the ongoing shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs). “I needed staff during the night, and it was hard to find the right people,” he explains. Without consistent overnight support, living on his own became too risky. Eventually, Lando had to make the tough decision to leave his home and stay with family in Montana. His story mirrors the experiences of many people across North Dakota and the country. The DSP workforce shortage is a pressing issue, limiting the independence of people with disabilities and forcing them into more restrictive or less preferred living arrangements. Even those ready and able to live on their own are often unable to do so simply because the necessary support is not available.
A Creative Solution
But Lando didn’t give up. Instead, he found a way to regain his independence with the help of assistive technology. “This year with the help of some technology, I’m happy to say that I’m back in my home again,” he says. To address the safety concerns that came with being alone at night, Lando installed Blink security cameras on his front door and back porch. “I have cameras to keep me safe at night, so I don’t have to worry about having a staff stay overnight. It will alert someone if a stranger comes to my home.”
While Lando enjoyed the comfort of having overnight staff, the new setup was a compromise that allowed him to return home. “I liked having staff overnight at my house, but it was a compromise I had to make in order to move home and I’m really glad that I did it.” The total cost—$185 for the equipment and $30 annually for the service—provided an affordable solution to a major challenge.
A Partner in Possibility: ABLE Inc.
Behind Lando’s success is the unwavering support of ABLE Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves approximately 100 people with disabilities across Southwest North Dakota. ABLE Inc. is known for its dedication to empowering individuals in all aspects of life, often through creative and customized support strategies. For years, the team at ABLE Inc. has recognized the potential of assistive technology to not only improve quality of life but to remove barriers to independence.
“ABLE Inc. prides themselves on finding creative solutions to empower people in all areas of their lives,” the organization says. “Finding or designing assistive technology to meet the needs of people has proven to bring success again and again over their years.” ABLE Inc. doesn’t just focus on solving today’s problems—they are forward-thinking, committed to working with community providers and innovators to design support systems that can adapt and evolve. “Finding the right community providers to assist in designing solutions is key. They look forward to challenging themselves with even more modifications to empower people they support and reduce staffing barriers in the future.” Lando’s story is just one example of how ABLE Inc.’s commitment to person-centered planning and technology-driven solutions is making a difference.
A Message for Others
Lando’s experience offers hope and a practical path forward for others facing similar circumstances. “If anyone else is in a situation like mine, they should think about using technology,” he says. “It’s not perfect but it’s better to feel safe and be back in my own home.” His determination to return home—and the willingness of his support team to think outside the box—demonstrates the real-world power of creativity, partnership, and technology.
As service providers across the country continue to navigate workforce challenges, stories like Lando’s remind us that meaningful solutions are within reach. With the right tools, thoughtful planning, and a willingness to innovate, more individuals with disabilities can experience the freedom and dignity of living in the place they choose—just like Lando.
Learn More
For more information on ABLE, Inc. and the services offered through their organization, visit www.ableinc.net. For more information on assistive technology, visit the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy website at www.ndpanda.org/resources/assistive-technology.