Advancing best practices for organizational transformation
SHIFT is the nationally recognized leader in advancing Technology First and Employment First standards and best practices across the long-term services and supports field. We do that through providing comprehensive education, professional certifications, organizational accreditation, and practical tools and resources.
Start with the person.
Everything else follows.
In your role, you’ve likely heard the terms Person First, Technology First, and Employment First. At first glance, it can feel like everything is being labeled “first,” which creates confusion. The reality is much simpler when you understand how these concepts relate to one another.
Person First
A Person First approach is the foundation. It means people are at the center of all decisions. They direct the course of their lives, make informed choices, and are actively involved in selecting the supports and services they receive. Without this foundation, the other approaches lose their meaning. Technology First and Employment First are not competing priorities. They are ways of operationalizing a Person First philosophy.
Technology First
Technology First does not mean putting technology ahead of people. It means that when exploring how to support someone, technology is intentionally considered as a primary option rather than defaulting to traditional, in-person supports. The goal is to expand independence, increase autonomy, and reduce unnecessary reliance on others.
Employment First
Employment First follows the same logic. It means that competitive, integrated employment is the first and preferred outcome, rather than defaulting to segregated or facility-based day services. It reinforces the belief that people can and should have the opportunity to work in typical community settings, earn fair wages, and build meaningful careers.
When done well, both Technology First and Employment First strengthen a Person First approach. They ensure that decisions are not driven by convenience or system limitations but by the person.
Education & Accreditation
SHIFT offers impactful education, certification, and accreditation that help organizations strengthen Technology First and Employment First practices.
Technology First
Develop practical knowledge and skills through Technology First education and professional certification.
Employment First
Training for professionals supporting meaningful, person-centered employment outcomes.
Organizational Accreditation
Evaluate and strengthen organizational practices for transformation and sustainability.
SHIFT's
Impact
Education that transforms.
of learners now consider technology solutions in person-centered planning.
learners trained across 350+ agencies and organizations.
of learners report increased confidence integrating enabling technology.
Who We Serve
SHIFT supports professionals across the long-term services and supports field. Our education, professional certifications, and accreditation programs are designed for those who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, aging populations, and individuals experiencing mental health or behavioral health challenges.
We partner with the organizations, agencies, and associations that share a commitment to person-centered practices and advancing Technology First and Employment First outcomes. Whether you are building staff knowledge and skills, improving service quality, or strengthening organizational culture, SHIFT provides the education, certification, and guidance needed to move forward with confidence.
Provider Organizations
State Agencies
Support Coordination
Across All Staff Roles
What People are Saying
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