Michigan Technology First Task Force Created
Jason Ray, CEO of SimplyHome, is pleased to announce that he has joined the Michigan Technology First Task Force. This Task Force, funded by a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, through Easterseals MORC, is working to bring Technology First to Michigan and provide a blueprint for integrating it into the State’s system of support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Technology First calls for system changes in services that provide care to people with disabilities, making enabling technology and remote support more widely available and funded through Medicaid waivers. Technology First initiatives have launched in some form in 40 states. The grant funding will enable the Task Force to introduce the program to Michigan, which is one of only 13 states without public funding for enabling technology for individuals with disabilities.
“Where Tech First has been adopted, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have experienced increased autonomy and personal growth as well as improved quality of life,” said Ray. “Tech First will also help alleviate the state’s caregiver crisis by reallocating direct care personnel to individuals with higher needs.”
MOKA, a caregiver agency in Western Michigan, has used SimplyHome technology in creating two smart homes. These homes are part of a pilot program where people with disabilities live and learn to gain greater independence.
“The Technology First Task Force is essential in advancing the change needed to support innovative living options like MOKA’s smart homes,” said Tracey Hamlet, MOKA’s executive director. “Technology plays a vital role in empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live more independently and with greater dignity.”
The Task Force includes diverse stakeholders from across the State, including self-advocates, parent advocates, and representatives from service providers, advocacy organizations, technology experts, and the business and philanthropic communities.
Task Members include:
Colleen Allen, President and CEO, The Autism Alliance of Michigan
Carolyn Bloodworth, former Executive Director of Corporate Giving, Consumers Energy Foundation (retired)
Jennifer Bohne, Executive Director and CEO, Progressive Lifestyles
Dennis Bott, former Executive Director, MORC (retired)
Dawn Calnen, Executive Director, the Arc of Oakland, and Christie Kay, Director of Programs and Operations, the Arc of Oakland County
Susan Chaplin, parent advocate
Todd Culver, President and CEO, Incompass Michigan
Sarah George, Director of Mission Initiatives, Peckham Industries
Tracey Hamlet, Executive Director, MOKA
Allen Jansen, former Senior Deputy Director, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration, MDHHS (retired)
Kathy Lentz, Senior Executive, Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
James Miller, former Executive Director of Global Inventory Optimization, Nexteer Automotive (retired)
Cheryl Ohman, Executive Director, Lakestate Industries
Margaret Overton, parent advocate
Jason Ray, Chief Executive Officer, SimplyHome
Taylor Remski, self-advocate
Aimee Sterk, self-advocate and Program Director, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
Neil Vill, President and CEO, World Data Products
“Creating the Task Force is the first step towards bringing the Technology First concept to Michigan,” said Ray. “The diverse perspectives, experience, and expertise of the Task Force members will be vital as we develop a blueprint for systems change to better support individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
The Task Force will work over the next two years to develop a road map for implementing Technology First in Michigan. Michigan has 45,000 individuals living with an intellectual and developmental disability on Medicaid. Long-term, the implementation of Technology First will enable individuals with intellectual disabilities to live more independent and self-directed lives while reducing the overall cost of care.
About SimplyHome
SimplyHome designs and installs innovative and affordable technology solutions that transform care for individuals with disabilities, dementia, chronic conditions, or age-related mobility issues. Founded in 2004, SimplyHome connects individuals all over the country with tailored systems that empower them to lead self-determined lifestyles while addressing the concerns of caregivers. By collaborating with service providers, managed care organizations, and families, SimplyHome promotes independence and enhances the quality of life for those they serve. simply-home.com
Image source: Canva, @diversifylens