Technology Information
What does the term Tech First mean?
“Tech First” typically refers to an approach where technology is prioritized as the primary solution or driver in various aspects of business, innovation, or problem-solving. It implies that technology considerations come before other factors such as traditional methodologies, processes, or even human intervention and staffing.
In a "Tech First" approach:
Solution Prioritization: Technology solutions are considered as the first choice when addressing challenges or pursuing opportunities for persons with lifelong needs.
Innovation Focus: Innovation is primarily driven by technological advancements and capabilities, rather than solely relying on existing practices or conducting business as usual.
Resource Allocation: Resources, including time, capital, and talent, are primarily directed towards technological exploration, considerations for use with individuals and implementation.
Strategic Direction: Technological advancement is central to the strategic direction of the organization, influencing decision making at all levels.
Agility and Adaptability: There’s a willingness of the organization to embrace new and emerging technologies
swiftly, enabling them to stay agile and adapt to changing environments and service options.
However, while prioritizing technology can yield numerous benefits, it’s essential to strike a balance with other considerations such as ethical implications, user experience, and long-term sustainability.
SCHSPA’s goals for advancing the use of technology in South Carolina are to:
1. Educate stakeholders in South Carolina on becoming a Technology First State.
2. Advocate for the use of enabling technology as a first consideration/priority when supporting people where they live, work and play.
3. Establish a Pilot Project that showcases the use of technology in a variety of settings to demonstrate the success for greater independence for those we support.
4. Provide beneficial data to SCDHHS and SCDDSN on the use and potential cost savings while increasing consumers independence and satisfaction for where they live, work and play, with the ultimate goal of adapting waiver definitions to include the use of remote monitoring and various technologies that allows for a dedicated funding source.
Technology is changing the way we live, work, and play.
Apps, sensors, smart medication dispensers, hands-free dispensers, adaptive controllers, communication devices, smart home technology—the list goes on and on. These assistive technology tools and support options are all around us and are increasingly being used to promote and further independence and self-sufficiency in the lives of people with disabilities.From utilizing a phone app to get off at the right bus stop to setting up smart home devices to help control home and work environments—technology is opening doors (literally!) and providing life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities.
- It All Starts with Assessment
Utilizing assessment tools to help identify goals and begin conversations surrounding technology.
Assessments for remote monitoring — and technology in general — help teams ask the right questions to identify goals and outcomes technology may assist with. Most technology service vendors and many service providers have their own assessment process to help fine tune outcomes and recommend specific tool options. The following basic questions are a good place to start the conversation:
1. What is/are the thing(s) the person wants to do with less caregiver intervention?
2. What are the risks/vulnerabilities if the person did this without or with reduced caregiver intervention?
What would the caregiver need to know to be comfortable NOT being physically present.
3. What prompts, tools, or support would the person need to help him/her manage this without having a caregiver physically pre- sent all the time?
- It All Continues with Communication & Conversation
The conversation is a collaboration between providers, case managers, families, and individuals to explore how using technology can increase independence and safety of the individual supported.
Not only does the addition of technology supports provide increased independence for those receiving care but is also beneficial (and will become necessary in the future) in optimizing staff resources by extending direct care/support reach. Through technology implementation, the level of care provided is maintained, or possibly improved, while managing limited staff resources.
Keys to a successful conversation
Know your audience
What do you already know about the person and how this will appeal to them?
What does the person want? Is this different than what the team wants?
What is their “techy” knowledge and ability?
What areas of the person’s life do they strive to be more independent in?
What community preferences do they have – what is important to them?
Start with the person not the technology
Do they want to move to or remain in their own home?
How can technology help meet needs previously handled solely by direct care staff, and what does the transition look like?
What are caregivers currently doing that may be supplemented by technology?
Be honest about limitations and risk
What will the technology do versus what will it not do?
What are the chances of a system going down?
How quick are the response times?
What happens in emergency situations?
What concerns and fears does the person(s) and/or caregiver(s) have regarding the use of technology as a support option?
