SHIFT is an online education and accreditation platform that is advancing and standardizing Technology First best practices and programming.
Introducing Technology First Foundations
Introducing Technology First Foundations
SHIFT is excited to unveil our new Technology First Foundations.
This live, facilitated webinar will give staff at all levels of an organization the basic knowledge they need to successfully begin a Technology First approach to services.
What exactly is a Technology First approach?
A Technology First approach to services isn’t about acquiring the latest and greatest gadgets - it’s the principle that technology and technology-enhanced support models should be considered as one of the first options in the person-centered planning process.
Enabling technologies are products, services, and devices that promote autonomy and encourage self-determination. SHIFT encourages long-term support service professionals to identify ways that technology can, and should, support people to pursue their life goals.
SHIFT’s accreditation and education are supporting state agencies, provider organizations, and others as they make the “shift” to Technology First. This approach to services is dependent on a person-centered approach being firmly established among supporters and within an organization's or agency’s culture.
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.