Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week September 11-17

senior woman receiving supportive care at home

The work performed by direct support professionals (DSPs) is critical to quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In Oregon alone, where Cognitopia is based, over 30,000 people with IDD rely on DSPs for support at work, at home, and in the community. Cognitopia joins the National Association for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) and American Network of … Read More

Cognitopia Evolution: Then and Now

In many ways, Cognitopia got its start when our CEO and founder Tom Keating became the primary caregiver for his brother James who experienced autism. James moved from their parents’ home in New York to live with Tom and their other brother, Francis, in Eugene, Oregon in 1981. Julie HenningJulie Henning has been with Cognitopia since 2015. In that time, … Read More

Innovative Self-Management Apps for Aging in Place

More and more, technology enables our lives in ways that facilitate independence and connectivity and it seems like there’s an app for just about everything. For individuals aging in place, apps can help them stay organized, accomplish daily goals, or remotely link them to their adult children, a team of caregivers, or the support services they need in order to … Read More

Siblings as Caregivers

Tom and brother James

The Sibling Leadership Network shared a nice concise information sheet from The Arc on how siblings can begin to think about and plan for the future of their brothers and sisters with disabilities. It’s available in both English and Spanish; click here. As someone who was a caregiver for many years for my brother James who experienced autism and intellectual … Read More

SLLEA House and Cognitopia Apps Facilitate ASD Transition from Adolescence to Adulthood

The transition between adolescence and adulthood is hard, but it can be really hard for people who experience Autism Spectrum Disorder. It’s also a stressful time for parents. Sherry Sandreth knows this from personal experience. Julie HenningJulie Henning has been with Cognitopia since 2015. In that time, she has been involved in customer support, training, marketing, documentation, social media, and … Read More