This project is closed. Feel free to look below for helpful tools and links. To learn more about SHIFT, please click “Contact Us” below.
MASSACHUSETTS DDS TECHNOLOGY FORWARD INITIATIVE: STATEWIDE ENABLING TECHNOLOGY NAVIGATOR PROJECT
Welcome to the MA DDS Technology Forward Initiative: Statewide Enabling Technology Navigator Project
Landing Page!
This page has been designed for participants in the MA DDS Statewide Enabling Technology Navigator Project. SHIFT has put it together so you have access to project information and resources.
SHIFT will keep it updated so please check here if you have questions about the project or anything else SHIFT-related!
Through the Technology Forward Initiative, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) will promote and develop the use of Supportive Technology as an opportunity for more inclusive and independent lives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and ASD.
–MA Innovation and Technology Task Force
PROJECT SPECS
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DDS has developed an initiative to promote the use of Supportive Technology: Assistive Technology and Remote Supports & Monitoring to increase the opportunities for individuals to achieve greater independence in their lives.
Supportive Technology should be considered when authorizing services for a person with disabilities, before utilizing direct support professional services to assist a person in an area where they could potentially be self-sufficient with appropriate assistive technology.
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Education of service coordinators in order to support awareness of and access to enabling technology integration for people with developmental disabilities.
One service coordinator at 23 DDS offices certified in Year One and completed continuing education via SHIFT in Year Two. The Navigator Certification extends for two years.
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A coaching session with Jennifer Petersen, Director of Supportive Technology, along with the SHIFT team to discuss topics related to your Navigator coursework and field experience and a refresher on the referral process.
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April 2022 - Enrollment into the SHIFT platform. In addition to coursework, you also have access to webinars, tech huddles and planning resources that you’re welcome to explore right there in SHIFT.
SHIFT works best with Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. SHIFT is less compatible with Edge or Explorer.
PROJECT TIMELINE
April 2022
Program enrollment and Start Coursework
First week in April
June 30, 2022
SHIFT Fundamentals 1, 2, 3 complete
July 22, 2022
1-hour Coaching Webinar at 11:30 am with Jennifer Petersen, Director of Supportive Technology, and SHIFT
July 31, 2022
Webinars, Specialization, and Exam complete
August - October 2022
Enabling Technology Navigator Specialization Case Study Project submitted
October 31, 2022
End Date for Statewide Enabling Technology Navigator Project
RESOURCE LINKS
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DDS Technology Forward Initiative (PowerPoint), April 2021
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Technology Forward Report by the MA Innovation and Technology Task Force, July 2021