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 movement?     

State agencies and provider organizations are utilizing this term to describe an approach to services that embraces the application of technology as the first consideration in support planning. This means people with disabilities can live their most independent, productive lives possible with the supportive care of trained humans paired with the modern benefits of technology.

  • EDUCATE

    SHIFT develops online credentials, certifications and continuing education opportunities for enabling technology professionals.

  • TRANSFORM

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

  • ACCREDIT

    SHIFT encourages the adoption of standardized best practices by partnering with organizations through the accreditation process.

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 3,000 learners from more than 300 different organizations and agencies across the U.S. and Canada.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS


This live 1-2 hour webinar 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

Before You Click "Buy", featuring Patrick Lane, Education Manager, SHIFT

December 18, 2024

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

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

Person-centeredness is at the heart of enabling technology. Whatever the device, app, or gadget, it must help the person get to something they value. Unfortunately, knowing what a person truly values is not always easy. Maybe the least effective way is to just ask someone in a planning meeting. Instead, let's have a meaningful conversation. In this talk, SHIFT’s own Patrick Lane will cover how to successfully have and document discovery conversations so the technology, whatever it is, leads to a better life.

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.