MyGuide - An Innovative Equalizer
MPower Me was awarded two Innovation Awards for the Greater Washington DC Area, sponsored by the NOVA Chamber of Commerce. One was for social impact and the other was voted as the people’s choice. It was a moving acknowledgement of an innovation that was developed by and for the disability community.
“We are honored to accept these awards on behalf of the disability community. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with healthcare providers and policymakers, and employers and universities to modernize how we interact with people who face disability, as integral members of our greater society.” – Dr. Maria McWhirt, Founding CEO
Transcript: Technology connects most people with their community, but not the most vulnerable - those with disabilities.
I'm Dr. Maria McWhirt, CEO and founder of MPower Me, and together with clinicians and service providers, my family developed MyGuide, a customizable, cross-platform app combined with a pre-programmed mobile device to deliver self-directed support where and when its needed, at home, school, or work.
Multi-media guides can be personalized for any activity or experience. From self-care to mastering new skills, and communicating needs and preferences.
HEATHER: "It gives me more power! It gives me more freedom; it gives me more independence... to say, hey look, I'm the boss. Instead of them being the boss, I'm the boss over my medication, over when I'm nervous, over when I'm angry. Being able to have a device in front of you, that you can program yourself means the world to someone like me with a developmental disability because other devices are customized for you already, but this one, you customize yourself."
Anyone the user chooses can securely monitor all MyGuide activities and responses, in real-time.
Our TechMentor program enables universities and industry leaders to contribute to the empowerment and inclusion of all individuals.
HEATHER: "To MPower Me, thank you so much. And Medicaid too. Thank you so much for paying for it and covering it. I love it so much. It has opened up a whole new world and I'm able to do so much more that I wasn't able to do before."
Contact us at [email protected] or visit our website, https://mpm.care for more information.