SHIFT is an online education and accreditation platform that is advancing and standardizing Technology First best practices and programming.

What exactly is a
Technology First approach?     

State agencies and provider organizations are utilizing this term to describe the consideration of technology solutions before defaulting to a more traditional in-person service model. A Technology First approach to services is dependent on a person-centered approach being firmly established among supporters and within an organization's or agency’s culture.

  • ACCREDIT

    SHIFT consults with organizations to develop systems and standards for the successful adoption and implementation of technology supports.

  • EDUCATE

    SHIFT virtual education teaches enabling technology skills and best practices to professionals in the long-term support services field.

  • TRANSFORM

    SHIFT advocates for the adoption and implementation of technology so that people have the opportunity to live the lives they want to live.

SHIFT IMPACT

Based on SHIFT’s post-course survey, 96% of learners enhanced their knowledge of integrating enabling technology into home, work and community environments to empower independence, and 98% increased their willingness to use enabling technology as a natural support for someone with intellectual/developmental disabilities. SHIFT has enrolled over 5,000 learners from more than 300 different organizations and agencies across the U.S. and Canada.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS


This live virtual learning event is facilitated by subject matter experts. Topics range from program development (including policies, procedures, systems, and processes) to practical implementation (including tools, resources, services, and products).   

TECH FIRST TALKS

Breaking Barriers: How AI and Innovation Are Redefining Independence in Assistive Technology, featuring Dylan Makani, Co-Founder, Ner Chat

January 28, 2025

1:00PM-2:30PM ET/ 12:00PM-1:30PM CT

Empowering Autonomy in Experience Sharing: Private Social Networking Featuring: Veronica St. Cyr, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Navigating Life

February 25, 2025

1:00PM-2:30PM ET/ 12:00PM-1:30PM CT

Assistive technology has come a long way, but current solutions, especially in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), often fall short in meeting the diverse and critical needs of users. With an abundance of one-off point solutions, these gaps leave many unable to fully express themselves or access the independence they deserve. Innovations like Ner Chat are challenging this status quo. By combining AI with features like Leaf symbol integration and videoconferencing for telehealth and teletherapy, new innovations are reaching users who have historically been overlooked -picking up those falling through the cracks.

This talk will explore how AI is transforming assistive technology, from enabling users to express urgent needs with greater clarity to creating hyper-personalized tools that adapt to the individual. We’ll also look ahead to the exciting possibilities of AI-driven solutions that promise to redefine independence and autonomy for millions. Together, we’ll uncover how the next wave of innovation is not just advancing technology, but empowering lives.

Navigating Life is a compliant private social networking and mobile data collection app, designed to support community-based and independent living for the people in the long-term support services community. This platform merges private social networking with instant messaging to enhance transparency and empower users by allowing them to choose when to share their experiences with their private networks. Focusing on user-friendly design, Navigating Life allows for photo-based updates, meant to be used by people supported, their families, their peers and their caregivers. This presentation will explore successful initial implementations in Massachusetts, discussing the platform's potential for increasing transparency and communication, while providing autonomy.