Tech First SHIFT Logo
SHIFT Learner Login

Technology First Twelve

purple decorative background
a person with a laptop in his hand smiling

What are the Technology First Twelve?

SHIFT’s Technology First Twelve is the definitive framework guiding organizations to lead with enabling technology. These twelve standards define what it means to thoughtfully adopt, implement, and sustain technology in ways that expand access, increase independence, and strengthen service delivery.

The Technology First Twelve establish a shared, measurable foundation for excellence. Organizations pursuing Technology First Accreditation engage in a collaborative, guided process to align their policies, practices, and systems with these standards — supported every step of the way by SHIFT’s subject matter experts. Accreditation is not a solo journey; it is a partnership designed to build clarity, confidence, and capacity.

Built for Growth. Designed for Impact.

The Technology First Twelve are both aspirational and actionable. They recognize that organizations are at different points in their Technology First evolution and prioritize progress over perfection. Rather than functioning as a static checklist, the Twelve outline a maturity pathway — beginning with foundational awareness and infrastructure and advancing toward full integration across leadership, culture, operations, and everyday decision-making.

Each standard reflects the deeper systems, behaviors, and mindsets required to ensure enabling technology is not an afterthought or isolated tool, but a trusted, intentional, and embedded part of service design and delivery.

From Tools To Transformation

When organizations commit to the Technology First Twelve, they move beyond experimentation and toward transformation. Enabling technology becomes:

  • A strategic priority

  • A leadership responsibility

  • A workforce competency

  • A person-centered expectation

  • A measurable driver of outcomes

Together, the Twelve create the conditions for sustainable change — ensuring technology is leveraged not just to support services, but to fundamentally strengthen how services are imagined, delivered, and experienced.

SHIFT’s Technology First Twelve is more than a set of standards. It is the blueprint for building a Technology First organization.

Standard 1: Person-Centered Approach

A Technology First organization ensures that technology decisions are driven by what matters most to the person. Enabling technology is selected and implemented to support individual goals, preferences, strengths, and desired outcomes. Decisions are grounded in autonomy, dignity of risk, and equitable access rather than diagnosis, convenience, or available inventory. Person-centered thinking is not a slogan. It is embedded in planning, documentation, and daily interactions, ensuring that technology enhances independence, choice, and quality of life.

Standard 2: Organizational Commitment

Leadership demonstrates a sustained commitment to a Technology First approach through strategy, communication, and resource allocation. Technology is not treated as a pilot, specialty service, or temporary initiative. Instead, it is integrated into mission, strategic planning, and operational decision-making. Visible endorsement from executive leadership and governance structures reinforces that enabling technology is a core organizational priority tied to meaningful outcomes.

Standard 3: Technology Leadership and Team Structure

A Technology First organization ensures that technology decisions are driven by what matters most to the person. Enabling technology is selected and implemented to support individual goals, preferences, strengths, and desired outcomes. Decisions are grounded in autonomy, dignity of risk, and equitable access rather than diagnosis, convenience, or available inventory. Person-centered thinking is not a slogan. It is embedded in planning, documentation, and daily interactions, ensuring that technology enhances independence, choice, and quality of life.

Standard 4: Stakeholder Communication and Engagement

Clear communication systems ensure transparency, shared understanding, and ongoing engagement. People supported, families, and employees receive accessible information about the organization’s Technology First approach and how it affects daily services. Communication moves beyond announcements to include feedback loops, listening sessions, and meaningful opportunities for input. This transparency builds trust, strengthens buy-in, and supports continuous improvement.

Standard 5: Staff Education and Workforce Development

The organization builds knowledge and skill through structured, ongoing education. Staff receive foundational training on enabling technology, ethical use, and rights protection, along with role-specific learning aligned to their responsibilities. Certification, ongoing professional development, and hands-on learning opportunities strengthen internal expertise. Education efforts also extend to people supported and their families, fostering shared understanding and confidence in technology-enabled supports.

Standard 6: Data-Driven Decision-Making

Data is used intentionally to evaluate impact, inform decisions, and improve services. Organizations establish clear methods for collecting and reviewing information related to technology use and outcomes. Regular analysis supports timely adjustments and prevents technology from becoming stagnant or ineffective. Over time, trend data informs strategic planning, resource allocation, and long-term refinement of Technology First practices.

Standard 7: Sustainability

Sustainable Technology First practice requires more than enthusiasm. Financial systems, purchasing guidelines, and funding strategies support consistent and compliant use of enabling technology. Clear workflows for accessing funding, tracking purchases, and maintaining accountability ensure that technology remains viable over time. Long-term planning integrates enabling technology as an essential operational expense rather than a discretionary add-on.

Standard 8: Assessment and Technology Matching

Thorough, person-centered assessments guide the thoughtful matching of technology to individual goals, contexts, and desired levels of independence. Assessments prioritize outcomes and strengths rather than deficits. Structured screening, readiness evaluation, and formal assessment processes ensure that technology is selected intentionally and with full team alignment. Ongoing reassessment supports responsiveness as goals, environments, and technology options evolve.

Standard 9: Implementation and Integration

Successful implementation requires coordinated planning, defined roles, and comprehensive training. Technology plans are integrated into service plans and daily routines rather than existing as stand-alone documents. Staff and people supported receive the orientation and support needed to use technology confidently. Clear installation processes, credential management, and contingency planning ensure that technology enhances services without introducing new risks.

Standard 10: Ethical Use and Due Process

Ethical safeguards protect autonomy, privacy, and rights. Technologies with the potential to limit freedom or introduce surveillance are subject to transparent review, informed consent, and formal due process. Clear criteria define when review is required, and oversight structures prevent misuse. Ethical considerations are embedded into planning and decision-making so that technology strengthens independence rather than restricting it.

Standard 11: Technology Reliability and Continuity

Reliable access to technology requires structured maintenance, rapid response to malfunctions, and realistic backup supports. Preventive maintenance schedules, defined response protocols, and clear role assignments reduce disruption. Critical systems are supported by contingency plans that protect safety and continuity of services. Reliability planning ensures that technology remains a dependable support in daily life.

Standard 12: Values-Aligned Partnerships

Vendor relationships are selected and managed with intention. Organizations use predefined criteria to evaluate performance, privacy practices, responsiveness, and alignment with person-centered values. Ongoing oversight ensures accountability over time. Strong partnerships move beyond transactions to collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to meaningful outcomes.

Ready to Get Started?

Click below to complete an inquiry form and a member of the SHIFT team will be in touch!

Learn More
asian female standing with pockets in her hand