Technology can open doors to communication, employment, independence and belonging—but only when people have access to the tools and support they need.

In this episode of 35 Years of Community Living, State of the States researcher Kaylee Day talks with self-advocates Jocelyn Bowen and Mikelle Learned about how technology has shaped their lives and their connections to the community. They discuss everything from smartphones and communication devices to simple low-tech tools, as well as the training, programming and ongoing support that make technology truly useful.

The conversation also looks at what the data tells us about public investment in technology for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and why expanding access means investing not just in devices, but in people.

As Mikelle puts it: “Technology doesn’t create belonging—people do. Technology just removes barriers so we can find one another.”