This session introduces the hot button topic, and the influence of, the “tech first” movement. It consists of two 30-minute presentations delivered back-to-back:
Millions of Hours. Thousands of People. Supporting Independent Living at Home and in the Community
Better outcomes don’t come from changing the person — they come from improving the conditions around them.
As demand for services grows and staffing challenges persist, this session uses real-world data and case examples to demonstrate how Remote Supports Services reduce wait times, strengthen stability at home, support daily health routines, build independence, and help people stay connected. Attendees will gain practical insight into how technology-enabled services can expand access to support and improve quality of life while addressing social determinants of health.
Learning outcomes:
- Recognize common challenges people face before Remote Supports and the changes that can occur after support is in place, using real-life stories and examples.
- Identify key standards and components of quality Remote Supports Services, including assistive technology, human support, and proactive engagement.
- Describe how Remote Supports can help people live safely at home, build independence, and stay connected to their communities.
Expanding Independence: Evidence-Based Remote Supports for I/DD and HCBS Transformation
HCBS providers face workforce instability, increasing service complexity, and rising expectations for person-centered, community-based outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This session presents an evidence-informed examination of technology-enabled remote supports using ShiftAbility’s implementation framework of it’s Smart Living model, with real-world applications of the Heylo platform across more than 15 states. Grounded in data driven implementation processes, HCBS policy alignment, fidelity monitoring, and ethical technology use, the presentation shows how remote presence communication, individualized smart sensing, and blended staffing enhance independence, improve consistency, and reduce workforce strain. Multi-state case examples span community living, employment, and transition services, and outcomes data.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the foundational evidence supporting remote supports and blended service models in I/DD and HCB
- Identify actionable steps to assess organizational readiness, pilot design, and implementation fidelity.
- Apply practical frameworks for measuring outcomes in independence, workforce engagement, and service quality.
The presentations will be followed by a 15-minute question and answer period.