Initiative Description
DC Assistive Technology Specialists and Program Manager serve on the Department on Disability Services work group to develop a "Technology First" initiative in the District of Columbia. This national movement endeavors to integrate "smart" technology into the lives of persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to live independently as possible in their community, home, and workplace. AT Specialists provides ongoing technical assistance on the benefits of AT in this emerging support system. The major collaborating organizations are the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Rehabilitation Services Administration, DD Council, Georgetown UCEDD, Quality Trust, Project Action, The Center for Accessibility at the Martin Luther King Library, St. John’s Community Services, RCM of Washington, Connect DC, Federal Communications and Disability Cocoon. The Tech First Initiative can expand into a District Wide Initiative with the potential of expanding partnerships with the Department of Aging and Community Living, the Department of Behavioral Health, and The District Department of Transportation. The funding used to implement the initiative includes DDS Local and Federal Funding, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Partnership's in Employment Grant (PIE).
Lessons Learned/Replication
Seventeen DDS Providers enrolled in SHIFT Enabling Technology Curriculum achieved their Technology First Organization Accreditation. This will expand the number of providers that assist people with IDD with person-centered tech exploration, discovery, matching, planning, and implementation. DCATPs' demo center has acquired 60 new emerging tech solutions to add to its lending library and make readily available for demonstration. The tech solutions acquired will be utilized to spread awareness amongst people with disabilities, family members, and service providers of impactful tech solutions. DCATP can expand its services to providers that provide services to clients with intellectual/developmental disabilities. In collaboration with DDS, the DCATP staff exhibited at the DDS First Annual Tech Fest exhibiting the latest smart home technology, apps, and other devices and customizations for people with hearing, mobility, cognitive and visual impairments. The DDS event was featured on the local channel 4 News. Eighty-four consumers and community and government agency staff attended in person and 60 people attended virtually. There were 21 tech exhibitors. DCATP and DDS will be planning an annual Tech Fest event for 2023. Some considerations for replicating this initiative should include: Assessing the current service delivery system to identify barriers that prevent people w/IDD with from accessing tech; Develop of a Taskforce, Council, or Work Group composed of District Partners and Stakeholders to identify core strategies and activities to advance the initiative; Marketing Strategy for stakeholder engagement and awareness; Achieve Mayoral support via Proclamation or Executive Order; Secure Grant Funding opportunities for innovation programs.