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

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

The Future of Medication Management with Medminder Featuring: Slyvie Dempsey, Medminder, Southeast Director of Sales

March 27, 2025

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

Explore the innovative world of medication management with Medminder, an advanced Class II assistive technology medication dispenser. This session will highlight how Medminder offers real-time monitoring and a secure locking feature to ensure precise medication administration. Learn how Medminder tracks and analyzes medication intake, significantly reducing hospitalizations, supporting caregivers, and addressing the challenges posed by nursing shortages. Discover how Medminder is transforming healthcare and enhancing patient safety.

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.