The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities, is now celebrating the one-year anniversary of its first smart residential group home and is excited to announce that two additional smart homes are planned to open this spring.
The smart home located on Broad Street in Weymouth opened its doors on January 26, 2023, revealing a two-floor, five-bedroom residence incorporating smart home technology, including external high security cameras, a ring camera, voice-activated lighting, hands-free faucets, and full-speed internet – all features that have allowed its residents to remotely automate many everyday tasks via internet connection.
The residence is home to five men who are enjoying a heightened sense of independence, safety, and quality of life as a result of the smart home initiative.
“These gentlemen have not only embraced the technology that their home offers, but it has become second nature to them,” said Abigail Parrilla, CEO of The Arc of the South Shore.
The prototype home has been so successful that two more of the agency’s group residences are being converted to smart homes and will open this spring. Plans are also in the works to convert eight additional group residences into smart homes as part of a broader initiative to further introduce technology to its residential clients, providing them more self-determination and empowerment.
About the Arc of the South Shore, Inc.
The Arc of the South Shore (The Arc) was founded in 1951 when a group of individuals created a school for children with disabilities. Then, in 1967, The Arc was deeded property at Webb State Park in Weymouth; the space gave the agency a permanent home and the opportunity to expand. By the end of the 1980s, The Arc became a multi-service agency. Today, The Arc is a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities.
These services include an Autism Resource Center, early intervention program, community supports, employment services, day supports and habilitation programs, in-home care, and residential services. All of their programs are based on their six core values of people first, community, transparency, self-determination, diversity, and respect. The Arc serves participants from communities throughout the South Shore, including Abington, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, Braintree, Weymouth, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, and Norwell. Through their 73-year history, they have helped more than 100,000 people.
