About SHIFT Technology First Education
Technology First isn’t just a concept — it’s a proven approach that empowers people, strengthens service delivery, and builds confidence among people, professionals, and organizations alike. At SHIFT, we’ve designed an educational experience that equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to advance Technology First practices across long-term support services. Our NADSP Accredited curriculum is created and facilitated by experts in technology solutions, direct support services, and organizational development – so you learn what matters most and how to make it work in real life.
Technology First Definition:
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 decrease dependence, promote autonomy and encourage self-determination. Enabling technology serves as a tool in supporting people to pursue their life goals.
SHIFT’s accreditation and education are supporting state agencies, provider organizations, managed care organizations, support coordinating 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.
Technology First Education
Transform Your Career. Accelerate Organizational Impact.
Click below to enroll in Technology First Certifications or register for an upcoming Technology First Foundations session:
Certification Learning Paths
What Every SHIFT Certification Includes
Learner Expectations & Timeline
To support focus, accountability, and meaningful skill development, SHIFT sets clear expectations for all certification learners.
Coursework & Project
SHIFT recommends all fundamental and specialized coursework as well as the experiential learning project be completed within 3 months of enrollment.
Final Exam
Complete all coursework, the experiential learning project, and pass the final comprehensive exam within 6 months of enrollment.
Get Certified
Your SHIFT Certification is valid for 2 years. Continue to enjoy access to SHIFT learner benefits.
Certification Descriptions
Explore our Technology First Certifications below:
ETIS
Enabling Technology Integration Specialist
Designed for professionals who assess, implement, and support enabling technology solutions within organizations or systems. The ETIS certification prepares you to identify the right technologies, guide implementation, train staff, and serve as a trusted resource and mentor for technology-enabled supports.
ETIS certified professionals are equipped to:
- Conduct technology assessments
- Identify and implement appropriate solutions
- Support sustainable technology integration across services
$999Renews at $749
ETN
Enabling Technology Navigator
Built for professionals who develop and coordinate person-centered plans, including case managers, service coordinators, and program coordinators. The ETN certification strengthens your ability to integrate technology into planning conversations and support informed choice.
ETN certified professionals are prepared to:
- Embed Technology First thinking into person-centered planning
- Identify technology options that support independence and choice
- Coordinate technology supports across teams and services
$999Renews at $749
ETL
Enabling Technology Leadership
Created for organizational leaders responsible for driving a Technology First culture shift. The ETL certification prepares leaders to guide systems change, align policies and practices, and lead accreditation efforts when applicable.
ETL certified leaders are prepared to:
- Champion Technology First principles organization-wide
- Lead sustainable change initiatives
- Embed technology into organizational strategy and operations
$999Renews at $749
Technology First Foundations
All learning should begin with a strong foundation! This live training is a good introduction for anyone interested in a Technology First approach to services.
Learn More:
Technology First Foundations, accredited by the National Association of Direct Support Professionals, gives staff at all levels of an organization the basic knowledge they need to successfully begin a Technology First approach to services. This two-hour interactive session is an ideal starting point for staff at all levels to build comfort and confidence with enabling technology as a natural part of support.
It is most appropriate for direct support professionals, self-advocates, families and other supporters who desire a basic knowledge of enabling technology integration.
PRICE
$99 Per Person
Time and Dates
Each session is 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM ET See dates below:
Upcoming Sessions
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May 6, 2026
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June 3, 2026
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July 1, 2026
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August 5, 2026
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September 3, 2026
- Pricing $99/per person registered
1-2 sessions with a limited number of attendees per session will be offered monthly, with the exception of some major holiday months.
No refunds will be granted. Customers may request to change the name or session date of a registrant more than 3 business days prior to the registered-for date, and within 1 year from original registration.
Registration closes 3 business days prior to session.
Technology First Foundations will help attendees gain the following:
Understanding of what is meant by the phrase “Technology First approach to services” and how it relates to person-centered practices.
Awareness of the practical application of commonly used enabling technologies.
Insight into how enabling technologies can be utilized by people in a variety of settings.
Understanding of each team member’s role and responsibilities in supporting people with their technologies.
Knowledge of core best practices for the adoption and implementation of a Technology First approach to services.
Throughout the two-hour interactive session, SHIFT’s subject matter expert facilitators will reinforce key concepts with examples, illustrations and storytelling – inspiring participants to assume the role of a technology champion, no matter what job title they hold.
Learner expectations are as follows:
Engaged participation is required meaning Learners must be in a stable location and not attending to other tasks.
Learners must be punctual and cannot miss more than 15 minutes of the course for any reason.
Learners must be on an individual computer or tablet with a front-facing camera.
Cameras must be turned and remain on for the duration of the session.
Learners should have some means of taking notes.
Learners must have registered prior to the course.
Learners’ names on Zoom must match registration.
Ready to Get Started but have questions?
