ADAPT Community Network Unveils Smart Living Center in the Bronx

The facility functions as more than a showroom. By replicating a standard living space, it offers families, researchers, and policymakers a practical look at how assistive hardware and software can reshape daily routines. CEO Jenna Mandel-Ricci emphasized that the space is intended to foster direct collaboration between technology developers and the people who rely on their products to navigate community life.

During the opening event, a panel of experts—including representatives from ShiftAbility and the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities—discussed the necessity of partnerships in scaling these solutions. The center will remain a permanent fixture, hosting regular tours and working sessions to refine how technology is evaluated and implemented. For self-advocates like AnnMarie Thomas, the project represents a tangible shift toward greater autonomy, providing a dedicated place to explore tools that turn abstract innovation into functional, independent living.