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 movement?     

State agencies and provider organizations are utilizing this term to describe an approach to services that embraces the application of technology as the first consideration in support planning. This means people with disabilities can live their most independent, productive lives possible with the supportive care of trained humans paired with the modern benefits of technology.

  • EDUCATE

    SHIFT develops online credentials, certifications and continuing education opportunities for enabling technology professionals.

  • TRANSFORM

    SHIFT advocates for the adoption and implementation of technology so that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live the lives they want to live.

  • ACCREDIT

    SHIFT encourages the adoption of standardized best practices by partnering with organizations through the accreditation process.

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 3,000 learners from more than 300 different organizations and agencies across the U.S. and Canada.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS


This live 1-2 hour webinar 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

How Remote Apps Improve DSP Service Delivery
featuring Doug Meeker
CEO/Co-Founder of LifeSherpa
June 27, 2024 1 - 2:30 pm EST/12 - 1:30 pm CST

According to a recent ANCOR survey, the Human Services Industry faces multiple challenges, including high DSP turn-over and vacancy rates. At the same time, a majority of Human Service Professionals believe technology has a key role to play in addressing these issues. Implementing technology effectively can be elusive for organizations unless they know how and where the use of tech will make a difference. Using case studies, Doug Meeker will explain how digital coaching platforms like LifeSherpa can drive, enhance, and help measure outcomes, with a particular focus on a 3-year research study conducted by St. Joseph’s University at an internship program at a Philadelphia area hospital. In addition, Doug will show how LifeSherpa is being used by DSPs in a variety of settings, including what’s worked and what hasn’t.

Do the Math
featuring Robin Pegg
EdDc, MEd, COTA/L, ATP, ROH, Assistant Professor, and Academic Field Coordinator

May 30, 2024 1 - 2:30 pm EST/12 - 1:30 pm CST

Independence does not equal Autonomy
Social Relevance + Executive Functioning = Autonomy

Enabling technology is a natural support that supports greater independence and more autonomy, but what if independence doesn’t automatically equal autonomy? Persons with disabilities need support in learning decision-making skills and a safe space to practice those skills. In this talk, Robin Pegg will explore the need to develop social capital and executive functioning skills to use enabling technology in supporting autonomy.