Tech First Talks
Tech First Talks are interactive, live virtual sessions hosted by SHIFT, featuring industry experts, technology vendors, providers, and other leaders advancing the Technology First movement. These engaging presentations explore a variety of enabling technology topics.
Only offered to enrolled SHIFT certification learners
Assistive Technology and Behavioral Supports: A Person-Centered Approach to Building Independence
Session Details
Across disability services, there is a growing emphasis on promoting autonomy, dignity, and community participation in alignment with the HCBS Final Rule. While assistive technology has traditionally been viewed as a safety tool, emerging practices demonstrate that when paired with behavioral supports, technology can become a powerful mechanism for skill development and independence.
This presentation explores how assistive technology can be integrated with evidence-based behavioral strategies to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving meaningful independence. Drawing from real-world applications of AngelSense technology, the session will highlight how remote prompting, structured fading of support, and data-informed programming can help people gradually move away from constant 1:1 supervision while maintaining safety and connection to caregivers.
Participants will learn how technology can be used within a person-centered framework to support skill acquisition in areas such as community access, daily routines, communication, and decision-making. The presentation will also discuss practical strategies for aligning assistive technology with HCBS principles, including maximizing autonomy, reducing restrictive supervision, and empowering people to participate more fully in their communities.
Through case examples and implementation strategies, this session will demonstrate how combining assistive technology with behavioral science can transform technology from a simple tool into a catalyst for independence and quality of life.
About Melissa and Lauren:
Melissa Schiefelbein is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Lead Clinician at AngelSense, where she developed AngelSense Learning, a training platform that helps families and providers use assistive technology to build independence skills for people. She is also the Founder and CEO of Bloom Health LLC, creating resources and training programs for parents of children with autism. Melissa’s background includes clinical roles in autism services, where she conducted assessments, developed intervention plans, and trained behavior technicians and clinicians. She holds graduate degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis and Curriculum & Instruction and has experience teaching internationally.
Lauren DeClaire, M.A., BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 13 years of
experience in the field of applied behavior analysis. With a background in Organizational Behavior Management, she specializes in consulting with organizations to improve efficiency, service delivery, and outcomes through the thoughtful integration of technology. Lauren is passionate about helping people and families improve quality of life through practical, evidence-based solutions. Her work focuses on bridging applied behavioral research with innovative technology to develop creative, real-world applications of behavior science for people with autism and other developmental differences. She currently serves as a Clinical Advisor to AngelSense, where she collaborates with families and professionals to implement assistive technology as a tool for increasing independence, safety, and skill development.
Facilitators
Melissa Schiefelbein
Board Certified Behavior Analyst and AngelSense Lead Clinician
Lauren DeClaire
Board Certified Behavior Analyst and AngelSense Clinical Advisor
EVENT INFORMATION
- April 16, 2026
- Time : 01:00 - 02:00 PM ET
- Live, Virtual