How Advancing Opportunities Uses Assistive Technology to Support Independence for People with Disabilities

For more than 75 years, Advancing Opportunities has supported individuals with disabilities across New Jersey through services designed to promote independence, participation, and stability in daily life. Established as a nonprofit organization grounded in community-based support, Advancing Opportunities has expanded its programs over time while maintaining a focus on meeting people where they are, both geographically and personally.

In recent years, Advancing Opportunities has operated as part of the Inperium nonprofit network, an affiliation intended to support long-term stability while preserving the organization's local identity and mission. According to Paul Ronollo, Executive Director of Advancing Opportunities, the relationship provides access to shared resources and collaboration without altering how services are delivered on the ground. From his perspective, the affiliation supports continuity while allowing the organization to remain closely aligned with the communities it serves.

One area that has steadily evolved is assistive technology. According to Ronollo, this work grew from recognizing that many barriers people encounter are environmental or logistical rather than personal. From his perspective, assistive technology plays a role in helping individuals navigate education, employment, and home life more effectively by addressing practical challenges tied to access.

Ronollo explains that the organization's assistive technology services were shaped by years of direct engagement with individuals and families. Transportation limitations, inaccessible spaces, and difficulty using standard tools frequently emerged as obstacles. As a result, the program emphasizes evaluating technology in real-world settings rather than in isolation. "Context matters," Ronollo explains. "Understanding a person's environment is essential to identifying solutions that are practical and sustainable."

That philosophy is reflected in three primary evaluation areas. Kristen Russell, Assistive Technology Specialist, explains that assistive technology evaluations focus on how individuals access everyday tools such as computers, phones, and tablets. According to her, this may involve ergonomic workstation design, accommodations for vision or hearing, and tools that support organization and time management. She notes that effectiveness often depends on how well technology aligns with both the individual's abilities and the surrounding environment.

Russell also explains a second evaluation area centered on augmentative and alternative communication, commonly referred to as AAC. From her perspective, these evaluations explore ways people communicate beyond speech, including devices and software that allow individuals to express themselves through typing, symbols, or eye-gaze technology. "The goal is to support communication that is efficient and meaningful for the person," she explains. "Solutions are always individualized."

The third area focuses on home accessibility and environmental modifications. Garth Heid, Assistant Director, explains that this work often involves retrofitting existing homes with features such as ramps, vertical platform lifts, automated doors, and adaptable layouts. According to him, many mobility challenges stem from environments that were not designed with accessibility in mind. In his view, mobility devices often provide freedom, while architectural barriers can limit independence.

Technology itself has changed significantly over time. Russell explains that many tools once considered specialized are now embedded in mainstream devices. "Features such as speech-to-text, voice control, captions, and screen readers are increasingly standard on smartphones and computers," she notes. "These developments reflect principles of universal design, where accessibility features created for specific needs often prove useful for a broader population as well."

According to Russell, Advancing Opportunities also operates a technology lending center that allows individuals across New Jersey to borrow assistive devices at no cost. "This gives people the opportunity to try tools in real-life settings before committing to long-term use," she explains. "Hands-on experience often reveals solutions that would not be apparent through demonstration alone."

From Inperium's perspective, Advancing Opportunities' assistive technology work reflects the value of supporting specialized programs while encouraging collaboration across a broader nonprofit network. Ryan Dewey Smith, Founding Executive Chairman and CEO of Inperium, explains, "The organization is structured to support affiliates delivering essential services at the local level." According to him, shared insight and operational support allow affiliates to continue refining programs without losing sight of their mission.

Looking ahead, Advancing Opportunities continues to refine its assistive technology services as tools and environments evolve, with a focus on aligning technology to the real-life contexts in which people live, work, and communicate. Within the Inperium nonprofit network, that work is supported by a broader commitment to sustaining organizations that deliver specialized, community-based services over the long term. "Our role is to support organizations that are deeply connected to the people they serve," says Smith. "When affiliates have the stability and resources they need, they can stay focused on the work that helps individuals live with greater independence and dignity."