INNOVATION MUST BE BOLD
Bold innovation starts with what people need. A reflection on enabling technology, independence, and the work of building something a traditional system has not yet imagined.
Innovation must be bold. It must, at times, get in your face, be an advocate, be accessible, and make our communities better.
This is why I became Chief Innovation and Dream Officer — to bridge gaps and lay a foundation for future generations.
My personal journey to bridge gaps and listen to the needs of community members has been a testament to the power of innovation. It’s a journey that requires guts and integrity, as people trust you with the unknown. When I first glimpsed the potential of Enabling Technology for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD/DD), I was compelled to act. I took a leap of faith, initially using my own finances to create the first smart home for people with IDD/DD in Washington, DC. This was not about budgetary constraints or gaps in understanding but about a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of technology.
Introducing this innovative concept was not without its challenges. It was a foreign idea to many, and we had to navigate a firmly grounded traditional system. But I was not alone in this endeavor. Together with my visionary teammate, Carl Hernandez, and the support of our community, we worked tirelessly to ensure that the people we supported could harness the power of technology in a way that was meaningful to them. Our shared vision and dedication have brought us far, and we are proud to continue this vital work with our company, Vista Supports, LLC. We are united in our mission to advocate for a more inclusive world and empower independence through innovative solutions.
We are excited to see the power of enabling technologies showcased on global platforms. The BBC feature series #TheHumanComponent, produced by @bbcstoryworks in partnership with the @ConsumerTechnologyAssociation, highlights Xandar Kardian’s passionate commitment to improving lives and ensuring that technology makes sense. They are not just a product but a solution.
Many technology products will produce the device, but Xandar Kardian wants to hear how it improves lives. That is a Big Difference. This changes the game. The beauty of collaboration is still a story to be told. We are proud to have been a part of telling the story. The docuseries underscores the profound impact of the relationship between humans and technology and how, with just a bit of bold innovation, we can ignite life-changing outcomes for people who would not have usually had that opportunity.
Carl, Steven, Ricardo, and I firmly believe that it is our responsibility, as the team behind Vista Supports, LLC, to ensure that our communities near and far have a fair shot at living their best lives and that limited resources are not a barrier to independence. We are not just a company, but a collective of individuals dedicated to this cause. Our unwavering commitment to this cause is stronger than ever.
Watch the documentary and be inspired and motivated about technology!
https://youtu.be/JMr0B8RiTKc?si=M1YzDGbgxi2oXMmF
Watch the entire series as the world is doing some amazing things:
Stay tuned for more updates, and join us in our mission to create a more inclusive and empowered world.
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