New Technology Partnership is Helping Residents Achieve Greater Independence

New Technology Partnership is Helping Residents Achieve Greater Independence

"Before, I never used to go out on my own. I'm less dependent on my mum now than I was before."

• Wednesday, 15 July 2026

  Vale of Glamorgan

Those are the words of Jade Morris, a resident who has gained greater confidence and independence through the use of AI-powered smart glasses, as part of an innovative partnership between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Innovate Trust.

The partnership is transforming the way assistive technology is used within adult social care, helping residents with learning disabilities and sensory impairments overcome barriers, develop new skills and have greater choice and control in their daily lives.

Through everyday technologies including AI-powered glasses, voice assistants and smart home systems, the programme provides personalised solutions that support people to live more independently, safely and confidently.

Rather than viewing technology as an optional extra, the partnership places digital innovation at the heart of care planning. Through personalised digital assessments, residents are matched with technology that meets their individual needs, with ongoing support provided to help them make the most of the solutions available.

For Jade, the introduction of AI-powered smart glasses has helped her access her community with greater confidence.

"When you're out and about, you ask it questions like 'what's in front of me?' and 'where's the nearest place?' and then you'll know exactly where you are," she said.

"I also use it to recognise money. If I don't know what coin it is in my hand, I ask it what coin is in my hand and it'll tell me."

The glasses can support users to read letters, menus and signs, recognise objects and navigate unfamiliar environments. They also provide access to everyday functions including making calls, sending messages, taking photographs and answering questions.

Jade's mum has seen a significant change in her confidence since she began using the technology: "She goes to the doctors on her own now, she couldn't do that before," she said.

"It's her confidence that's shown me she could do a lot more than she thought she could. It's the confidence that they've given her to try something new."

For Jade, the biggest impact has been the feeling of freedom the technology has provided.

"They make you feel free," she said.

The Innovate Trust team carries out specialist digital assessments before recommending personalised solutions, ensuring that technology is selected based on each person's needs and goals.

Easy Read guides and trial periods also help residents build confidence and identify what works best for them.

The partnership is also helping residents benefit from voice-activated technology, which has been particularly valuable for some neurodivergent people by providing consistent and predictable ways to interact with their environment.

Cllr Eddie Williams, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health, said: "Everyone should have the opportunity to live as independently as possible, with the right support to help them achieve their goals and aspirations.

"This partnership with the Innovate Trust demonstrates how technology can be used in a practical and person-centred way to remove barriers, build confidence and give residents greater choice and control over their daily lives.

"What makes this approach so valuable is that the technology is not being introduced for technology's sake. It is carefully matched to each person's needs, helping people do the things that matter most to them - whether that is accessing their community, managing tasks at home or developing new skills.

"We are committed to working with partners to explore innovative approaches that improve outcomes for residents, and this programme shows how collaboration and digital innovation can help shape the future of adult social care."