Ciresi and Hohenstein tour Pottstown SMART home
Southeast Delegation May 16, 2025 | 2:29 PM
ROYERSFORD, May 16 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Joe Hohenstein joined staff members from service provider KenCrest today to discuss how SMART homes can help more people with disabilities to live independently.
Equipped with voice-activated features, plenty of maneuverability for wheelchairs, and small robots that can feed people and offer remote monitoring, a SMART home’s technology can help people with disabilities live on their own.
“At a time when there is a critical home care worker shortage, SMART homes are the smart investment in assisted living as they help people with disabilities live independently,” Ciresi said. “Unfortunately, the home’s technology can be cost-prohibitive. For example, a device that can assist with eating independently costs approximately $8,600. Under current Pennsylvania law, there is an individual lifetime cap of $10,000 for assistive technology purchases. That outdated limit poses a big obstacle to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from fulfilling their desire live more independent, safe and fulfilling lives.”
“SMART homes provide essential necessities for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to live on their own,” Hohenstein said. "The technology from SMART homes empowers individuals, promotes safety and wellbeing and enhances overall quality of life. I’m proud to be here today to advocate for lifting the $10,000 cap to ensure that these individuals can live on their own while having their needs taken care of."
Ciresi and Hohenstein discussed the current public comment period to lift the $10,00 Assistive Technology Cap in Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Program’s waivers for individuals enrolled in the Consolidated, Community Living and Person/Family Directed Support Waivers.
“I look forward to hearing what residents have to say in the public comment period about lifting the AT cap,” Ciresi said. “As a legislator, I’ve recently voted to lift outdated caps like with PTRR and the PSERS COLA. It’s unfair that many people with disabilities can’t live on their own due to a cap that hasn’t kept up with the times—either the cost of technology or inflation.”