In this episode, Nathan sits down with Siera, a board member of AMCSI (Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc.) and colleague at RIPIN, for a candid conversation about living with arthrogryposis and how smart home technology is transforming daily independence for people with disabilities.

Siera shares how voice-activated shades, smart light bulbs, AI meeting tools, and a walker/electric wheelchair hybrid help her navigate everyday life — and what she learned the hard way about smart tech pitfalls like company shutdowns and app compatibility. They also dive into the future of assistive technology, from eye-controlled wheelchairs to self-driving cars.

Whether you’re living with a disability, a caregiver, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about accessibility — this episode has something for you.

🔗 Learn more about AMCSI: https://amcsupport.org

Chapters:

0:00 Welcome & Introducing Siera

0:20 Siera's background & AMCSI overview

1:13 What is Arthrogryposis?

2:21 Smart home tech: Voice-activated shades

4:42 Smart light bulbs & Alexa integration

5:55 Using AI tools for meeting notes

7:25 Walker/electric wheelchair hybrid (found on Walmart!)

8:30 Discovering the walker at an AMCSI conference

9:54 How AMCSI started & what the organization does

11:33 How smartphones enable independence

12:49 Robotic arms & eye-controlled wheelchairs

19:44 Augmented reality & sensor technology

21:05 Challenges setting up smart tech (app bugs & compatibility)

26:14 How disability shaped Siera's board leadership

26:35 How Siera discovered AMCSI during the pandemic

28:52 Advice for adopting smart home technology

29:50 The future of smart tech & accessibility

31:05 Funding devices through self-directed services & ORS

32:36 Final message & closing thoughts

33:54 Where to find AMCSI online

34:24 Rhode Island question: Favorite restaurant

36:01 Outro

#UnstoppableFutures

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RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss

📩 Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email: [email protected]

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Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

📧 To contact RIPIN for any reason: Email: [email protected]

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ℹ️ About RIPIN

Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander—from infants to seniors—access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need.

Services include:

• A live‑answer call center

• Peer‑to‑peer care management

• Early Intervention parent consultants

• Workshops on healthcare and special education

• Leadership training for parents and youth

RIPIN is:

• The federally designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for Rhode Island

• The official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid

• A Cedar Family Center

• The Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, supporting children with special healthcare needs and their families