News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.
Jordy Goes Virtual
Sep-15-2020
Services
When the pandemic hit and quarantine became a habit of life, a lot of people had to adjust their lifestyles and routines. Jordy Martinez, a young adult who lives in Longmont, CO, and accepts services 
from Imagine!, was no exception. In order to see his friends and stay connected to his community, Jordy took on the task of learning a whole new method of socializing: video conferencing.
Imagine! services quickly pivoted to an online format, allowing clients and their families to log on and engage in social activities, games, and skill building classes. This was tough for Jordy, but his only option.
“Jordy’s friends are very important to him, Imagine! is a huge part of his life.” Said Jordy’s mother Deb Martinez. “If we didn’t have virtual classes, I don’t know what he would do. The classes remind him that his friends are still out there and okay, even though he can’t see them in person.”
Week after week, Jordy gained ample practice with Zoom and how to use all the features. He laughs and shares ideas with peers, plays Uno and Bingo, reads Harry Potter with a virtual group, jams out during sing-a-longs, and much more during the creative and engaging classes.
“The Imagine! instructors have modeled great social behavior and conduct through Zoom, giving Jordy a sense of how to interact with someone through a computer screen.”
Using Zoom for Imagine! was only the beginning.
Jordy’s grandfather lives in an assistive living center and ever since March, the center has been on lockdown. To keep his grandfather company, Jordy jumps on a Zoom call with him once a week and tells him about his day. He also makes an effort to video chat with his aunts, uncles, and cousins as much as possible.
“Jordy was comfortable with Zoom and not as nervous talking to his grandpa through a computer because of the experience he had from Imagine!,” said Deb. “Talking on the phone with his grandpa is just impossible, the visuals are important and have been great.”
The world of technology has opened up for Jordy since March, realizing how much can be achieved on a laptop or tablet, and learning that even though he can’t go and SEE someone, he can still log on and see someone.
“It has made life more bearable,” said Deb Martinez.
