Technology First Twelve

SHIFT Accreditation Standards

Standard One: 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 Two: 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 Three: Technology Leadership and Team Structure

A cross-functional Technology Team steers implementation and builds internal capacity. This team includes diverse roles and perspectives to ensure that planning, oversight, and problem-solving are coordinated and consistent. Clear expectations, defined responsibilities, and structured meetings allow the team to move from ideas to action. Over time, the team becomes a driver of innovation, accountability, and shared ownership across the organization.

Standard Four: 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 Five: 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 Six: 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 Seven: 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 Eight: 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 Nine: 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 Ten: 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 Eleven: 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 Twelve: 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.