Resources
Tech First & Enabling Tech Resources
1. Does remote support only work for individuals with lower needs?
Remote support and enabling technology can work for many different individuals with various levels of need. Some people with very complex medical needs use technology to help them communicate, control their environment and stay safe in their homes. The key is to include it in the person-centered planning process, where you consider what the individual needs to live as independently as possible and decide whether technology can help achieve that goal. Use of technology as a support option is always based on individual choice.
2. Does using technology replace direct care workers?
No. Technology transforms direct care workers’ role. Instead of reminding people to take their medication, wash the dishes and do their laundry, direct care workers will be able to help individuals do those things on their own through the use of technology.
A direct care worker supporting an individual using technology becomes more of a teacher, partner or guide. In the midst of a national direct care worker shortage, expanding the use of enabling technology also frees up available direct care workers for those with the highest needs. This will be critical as the demand for direct care workers is expected to double in the next 10 years to 6.1 million nationally.
3. Will remote support workers be spying on individuals in their homes?
No, not at all. Remote support is initiated by the individual or by an alert to provide help on an as-needed basis instead of being in the person’s home “just in case.” Remote support is far less intrusive than having someone in your home all the time.
4. Won’t it be difficult to learn to use technology?
Most technology helping people learn to live more independently is simple, such as lights that turn on when you get up in the middle of the night, sensors on stove tops that remind you to turn off the burner, or camera doorbells to tell you who is at the door. Much technology is also voice-activated and can adapt to different individual voices. Communication devices are generally tablets with a touch screen that is easy to operate. To call for help in an emergency is usually done by pressing an emergency button that almost anyone can press. All technologies used to support individuals would be customized to meet their unique needs.
5. How can I afford enabling technology on a fixed income?
Currently, it’s a struggle to get Medicaid to pay for technology in Michigan but we hope to change that. That’s why we created the Michigan Tech First Task Force – to promote greater availability of enabling technology and remote support. You can contact the Michigan Assistive Technology Program to see if any of the technology you need can be borrowed or purchased using Medicaid. In addition, check out the MI-United Cerebral Palsy program that provides financial loans for purchasing technology for eligible individuals. You should also talk to your case manager or supports coordinator about including the use of technology in your Individual Plan of Service (IPOS).
These providers have extensive experience in supporting individuals with disabilities through enabling technology.
