Posted on June 24, 2026
Providing people with IDD opportunities to live more connected, self-directed lives.
This month we hosted an Assistive Technology (AT) Showcase that highlighted the vital role technology plays in the growth of Penn-Mar and how it helps the people we support become more independent and better connected to their family and friends.
Technology comes at a steep cost — one that is not covered by ever-tightening government funding. But Innovation is one of Penn-Mar’s Core Values, and we are putting our money where our mouth is to invest in our future. Empowering Technology is a key focus of the Penn-Mar Foundation because we believe it will have such a huge impact on our ability to sustain and grow our mission.
That includes a commitment to investing in people who can ensure we’re at the forefront of how we’re using tech and information.
Over the last six years, Melanie Szvitich has been our technology champion, doing remarkable work to get us to where we are today. In anticipation of her retirement in September, we recently welcomed Audra Hurd to Penn-Mar’s executive leadership team as our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). She has joined our tech team, overseeing all strategic technology functions to ensure our infrastructure remains secure, data-driven, and able to grow with the organization.
Most importantly, she will lead Penn-Mar’s Empowering Technology Initiatives, helping to put Penn-Mar at the forefront of assistive technology (AT), focusing on person-centered solutions that directly enhance the daily lives of the IDD community. By driving the expansion and integration of cutting-edge AT, she will continue Penn-Mar’s ongoing strategy of digital inclusion and create new pathways for greater independence, safety, and community connection.
In a world where information drives decision-making, managing data effectively can be the difference between success and stagnation. That’s why we hired Stacey Massuda as our new Data Specialist.
In this role, Stacey will gather key organizational data points to find out what is important to our stakeholders to help us improve our performance, operational decision-making, and mission impact.
At first glance, data may be perceived as boring and statistical, but it is essential to help direct the way forward.
Imagine the powerful impact data will have on our mission. We will be able to show donors how AT is improving the quality of life for a person with IDD not only via success stories, but through comprehensive impact measures. We have already seen that outcome-based metrics are a critical component in applying for foundation and grant funding.
Technology is changing the lives of the people we support with things as simple as Alexa voice commands to turn off the lights and reminders to take medicine or lock the doors to more complex solutions like apps on tablets that help non-verbal people communicate or the Smart Kitchen in our new Westminster facility that helps people prepare their own meals.
As we look ahead, one thing is clear: technology and data are not just tools for innovation at Penn-Mar — they are essential to expanding opportunity, deepening independence, and strengthening the impact of our mission.
By continuing to invest in the right systems, the right people, and the right solutions, we can help ensure that those we support have every opportunity to live more connected, self-directed lives.
The future is full of promise, and Penn-Mar is committed to leading the way.