Tech First SHIFT

Last week, SHIFT had the pleasure of attending and presenting at South Carolina Human Service Providers Association Back to the Beach Conference! SHIFT is excited to see the progress South Carolina is making towards becoming a Technology First state and is honored to be part of the journey.

Tech First SHIFT is excited to announce that?My Own Place?has earned their Technology First Accreditation! Organizations earning SHIFT’s highest level of recognition complete comprehensive education requirements and undergo a rigorous evaluation process. SHIFT Accredited organizations demonstrate their ability to help people live as independently as possible through the successful adoption of technology. Congratulations?My Own Place! SHIFT greatly values you as part of our learning community and the great work you do everyday!

Tech First SHIFT is excited to announce that?Tennessee Personal Assistance, Inc?has earned their Technology First Accreditation! Organizations earning SHIFT’s highest level of recognition complete comprehensive education requirements and undergo a rigorous evaluation process. SHIFT Accredited organizations demonstrate their ability to help people live as independently as possible through the successful adoption of technology. Congratulations?Tennessee Personal Assistance, Inc! SHIFT greatly values you as part of our learning community and the great work you do everyday!

Join SHIFT for February's Tech First Talk! February 25th, 1:00pm-2:30pm ET Session Title: Empowering Autonomy in Experience Sharing: Private Social Networking Session Description: Navigating Life is a compliant private social networking and mobile data collection app, designed to support community-based and independent living for the people in the long-term support services community. This platform merges private social networking with instant messaging to enhance transparency and empower users by allowing them to choose when to share their experiences with their private networks. Focusing on user-friendly design, Navigating Life allows for photo-based updates, meant to be used by people supported, their families, their peers and their caregivers. This presentation will explore successful initial implementations in Massachusetts, discussing the platform's potential for increasing transparency and communication, while providing autonomy. About Veronica: Veronica oversees customer success and product management for the Navigating Life app. She works closely with leadership, IT, persons supported, program staff, clinical teams, and families to ensure the successful adoption of the private social networking technology. Her background in marketing and communication helps to bridge these diverse groups, ensuring that technology meets the needs of all stakeholders and supports the organization's mission to improve outcomes in human services. To Register: https://lnkd.in/gynj-ZPZ

Tech First SHIFT is excited to announce that Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville earned their Technology First Accreditation! Organizations earning SHIFT’s highest level of recognition complete comprehensive education requirements and undergo a rigorous evaluation process. SHIFT Accredited organizations demonstrate their ability to help people live as independently as possible through the successful adoption of technology. Congratulations Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville! SHIFT greatly values you as part of our learning community and the great work you do everyday!

SHIFT invites you to Technology First: A Journey, Not Just a Destination. This free virtual live event will be a panel discussion facilitated by SHIFT’s Director of Education and Accreditation, Constance Harrington. WHY consider a Technology First transformation? It is no secret that technology is a part of daily life for almost everyone. Join our event to hear more about how technology solutions can empower people supported by your organizations to live with less help from others, and with more self-determination. And while supporting person-centered planning is paramount, addressing staffing shortages, HCBS Final Rule compliance, and operational efficiencies are often happy by-products of technology solutions. To Register: https://lnkd.in/gynj-ZPZ

Join SHIFT for January's Tech First Talk! January 28th, 1:00PM-2:30PM ET Session Title: Breaking Barriers: How AI and Innovation Are Redefining Independence in Assistive Technology Session Description: Assistive technology has come a long way, but current solutions, especially in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), often fall short in meeting the diverse and critical needs of users. With an abundance of one-off point solutions, these gaps leave many unable to fully express themselves or access the independence they deserve. Innovations like Ner Chat are challenging this status quo. By combining AI with features like Leaf symbol integration and videoconferencing for telehealth and teletherapy, new innovations are reaching users who have historically been overlooked—picking up those falling through the cracks. This talk will explore how AI is transforming assistive technology, from enabling users to express urgent needs with greater clarity to creating hyper-personalized tools that adapt to the individual. We’ll also look ahead to the exciting possibilities of AI-driven solutions that promise to redefine independence and autonomy for millions. Together, we’ll uncover how the next wave of innovation is not just advancing technology, but empowering lives. About Dylan: Dylan Makani is the co-founder of Ner Chat, an innovative assistive technology platform designed to enhance communication independence and autonomy for individuals of all abilities. Combining his passion for neuroscience and technology, Dylan aims to make a meaningful impact on people's lives through cutting-edge software solutions. Dylan is a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he earned degrees in Neuroscience and Medicine, Health, and Society. With a robust background in neuroscience research from both Columbia and Vanderbilt Universities, he bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and practical application. To Register: https://lnkd.in/gynj-ZPZ

Tech First SHIFT is excited to announce that St. John's Community Services has earned their Technology First Accreditation! Organizations earning SHIFT’s highest level of recognition complete comprehensive education requirements and undergo a rigorous evaluation process. SHIFT Accredited organizations demonstrate their ability to help people live as independently as possible through the successful adoption of technology. Congratulations St. John's Community Services! SHIFT greatly values you as part of our learning community and the great work you do everyday!

Tech First SHIFT is excited to announce that Dawn of Hope, Inc has earned their Technology First Accreditation! Organizations earning SHIFT’s highest level of recognition complete comprehensive education requirements and undergo a rigorous evaluation process. SHIFT Accredited organizations demonstrate their ability to help people live as independently as possible through the successful adoption of technology. Congratulations Dawn of Hope, Inc! SHIFT greatly values you as part of our learning community and the great work you do everyday!

Tech First SHIFT is excited to announce that Emory Valley Center has earned their Technology First Accreditation! Organizations earning SHIFT’s highest level of recognition complete comprehensive education requirements and undergo a rigorous evaluation process. SHIFT Accredited organizations demonstrate their ability to help people live as independently as possible through the successful adoption of technology. Congratulations Emory Valley Center! SHIFT greatly values you as part of our learning community and the great work you do everyday!