Resources
As technology develops new technology solutions are made available. Although, Technology Vendors can be good resources, it is the Service Coordinator’s or SSA’s responsibility to make a final decision and does not need to accept the Technology Vendor’s recommendation. The Service Coordinator/SSA is the most equipped person for this task because, while they may not be a technology expert, they are the expert on the people they serve and the resources available to them. Therefore, it is a good idea to find ways to learn about technology options that may benefit people with IDD.
To find Technology Vendors, Remote Support Providers and vendors, use the links below:
Find Technology Vendors to meet your needs.
Find providers in your area that offer remote support.
Suggestions for how to stay in-the-know about technology solutions, including those being used in Ohio:
There are several conferences around the country that promote assistive technology and discuss national trends. One central Ohio option is the annual TechSummit organized by Assistive Technology of Ohio, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and The Ohio State University Nisonger Center.
A little time spent exploring the internet for smart home and assistive technology options may yield big insights into technology solutions.
Adding technology websites to bookmarks and trying to keep up on current events by looking at news websites focused on technology (https://theverge.com) or disability (https://disabilityscoop.com) may help when thinking about what is available.
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) sends a regularly distributed email with Technology First resources. Subscribe for “Tech First Updates” and other DODD listservs here: https://dodd.ohio.gov/your-family/all-family-resources/subscribe.
Sign up for more technology trainings. DODD has trainings throughout the year and although they are not always technology-only trainings, they often include tips and resources for how to integrate technology. Follow this link to access Ohio ISP trainings: https://dodd.ohio.gov/compliance/oisp/training. OCALI offers trainings and a list of their resources can be found here: OCALI AT&AEM Center Professional Development Resources
DODD’s Technology First website has additional resources:
https://dodd.ohio.gov/about-us/resources/tech-first/Technology-First
More
More resources can be found at the Nisonger Center Technology Projects website: https://go.osu.edu/NisongerTech. Some resources we encourage you to review include
Tech Ice breakers:
Questions that can help to start a conversation about technology solutions with support teams
THS assessment:
This document is shared with support teams as they consider remote support for individuals they serve and people on their support team.