Technology First in Practice: Why Assistive Technology Efforts Stall – and How to Get Them Back on Track

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

leadership, policy & implementation

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

N/A

Target Audience:

AT specialist
educator
occupational therapist
physical therapist
special educator

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Atrium 1

Description:

This session will examine why assistive technology efforts often lose momentum despite strong initial intent. Drawing on Technology First implementation experiences, it will walk through key stages—discovery, matching, implementation, and follow-through—highlighting common friction points and practical solutions. Participants will explore how people receiving supports can be matched with tools that reflect their preferences and daily routines, including examples such as communication apps, reminders, and environmental controls. The session will also address how staff can be supported to use devices consistently and confidently. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and simple structures to help people receiving services use technology more consistently and meaningfully over time.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Participants will be able to recognize common points where assistive technology efforts lose momentum and apply practical strategies to support consistent use in daily routines.

• Participants will be able to strengthen discovery and matching to support meaningful, person-directed outcomes.

• Participants will be able to support teams in using technology in ways that increase independence and autonomy.

Disclosures:

Salaried employee with Tech First SHIFT