Assistive Technology to end Social Isolation

Your Connections, Your Community, Your Life

Our dedicated team at the Michigan Assistive Technology Program believes that meaningful social connection is not a luxury—it's a necessity for wellbeing and quality of life. We're committed to bridging the gap between isolation and engagement through assistive technology that helps you maintain and strengthen your connections to the people and world around you.

"Everyone deserves to feel connected." - Abby, AT Specialist

What is AT for Social Connection?

Assistive Technology to end Social Isolation includes any tool, device, or system that helps people connect, communicate, and participate in their world more fully. These technologies range from simple to sophisticated, but all serve the crucial purpose of keeping you engaged with the people and activities that matter most to you.

How We Fill the Gap

There is a significant lack of access to AT to aid in ending social isolation and hands-on demonstrations on how to use it. Social isolation affects people of all ages and abilities, but for those with disabilities, chronic illness, or aging-related challenges, it can be a daily reality.

We use assistive technology to break through those barriers, connecting people to the world and each other. What sets our program apart is how we travel to the individual, meet them where they are, get the AT in their hands, and show them how to utilize it to prevent social isolation.

Why Connection Matters

We do this work because connection is a human right, and Assistive Technology can open doors that isolation has closed. Research shows that social isolation increases the risk of premature death by up to 29%.

 

We do this work because Assistive Technology isn't just about convenience; it's a lifeline. When people are connected, their health, resilience, and quality of life all improve.

Examples of Social Connection AT

Our inventory includes a wide range of solutions to support meaningful connections:

amazon echo show black box with screen showing a father and daughter laughing smiling while cooking and video chatting with a woman who is smiling in a screen in the upper right corner

Echo Show

The Echo Show is more than a smart device; it’s a lifeline for connection. With simple voice commands, users can make video calls, get reminders, and play music. For people who are isolated, it offers independence, social interaction, and a friendly voice that helps reduce loneliness.

Stuffed animal golden retriever with red bandana companion pet robotic

Companion Pets

Robotic companion pets, such as Joy For All cats and dogs, are a simple yet powerful way to combat loneliness. They respond to touch and sound, offering comfort, routine, and a sense of companionship, without the responsibility of caring for a live animal. For seniors, people with dementia, or anyone living alone, these pets can ease anxiety, lift mood, and spark meaningful social interactions.

three talking photo albums one portraying images of memories from a trip to the museum one a bedtime story read by their father and one with memories of school

Talking Photo Album

A talking photo album pairs photos with recorded messages, bringing memories to life. It provides comfort, sparks conversations with caregivers and visitors, and helps maintain meaningful connections, reducing feelings of social isolation.

Success Stories

MATP staff were connected with Rita in Roscommon via the District Health Department for Crawford and Kalkaska. Rita was experiencing feelings of isolation because of her current phone (an older iPhone model that was unable to hold a charge), and she was having a hard time staying connected to people. She needed to update her technology to increase her social participation and stay connected to family and friends.

 

MATP staff were able to work with Rita on what her current needs and goals are, and discern what assistive technology would be most beneficial to her. Using the CCAT Grant, staff were able to purchase an iPhone 13 and an iPad for Rita to use and after completing a demonstration of both devices, she was able to use both devices as intended to reach her goals. She was very happy with the items and couldn't thank MATP staff enough.

Invite Us To

We'd love to share how AT can combat social isolation! Invite us to:

  • Your Resource Fair
  • Your Conferences
  • Your Senior Center
  • Your Assisted Living Community
  • Your Team Meetings
  • Your Community Events
  • Your Support Groups
  • Your Healthcare Facility
  • Your Faith Community

Try AT for Social Connection for Free

Our FREE demonstrations and device loans allow you to explore options in your own environment before making decisions. We come to YOU anywhere in Michigan, smashing through transportation barriers to ensure you can try AT where you'll actually use it.

Whether you're looking for ways to stay connected with distant family, participate more actively in community events, or simply find technology that makes communication easier, we're here to help you discover the possibilities.

 

Your connections, your community, your technology—let's explore the possibilities together.

 

Contact MATP: