AASD and DSD eList announcement

Date: April 20, 2022
To: Lead agencies and other interested parties
From: DHS Aging and Adult Services and Disability Services divisions
Purpose: To share resources for improving access to technology for people with disabilities and older adults
Contact: DSD Contact Form

How to talk to someone about technology during support plan development

Throughout 2022, DHS and its community partners will work together to make assistive technology available to more people with disabilities and older adults. We will take several actions to support this initiative, including sharing information and resources with lead agencies.

Resources to share

In our March 22, 2022, eList, we shared videos to help spark ideas and ways to cover costs. This month, we highlight strategies to help a person understand their options, specifically during the support-planning process.

When to have this conversation

Lead agency staff members are often in the best position to start a conversation about the benefits of assistive technology with a person. Discussions around assistive technology may be appropriate when a person has:

· An unmet support need

· A desire to be more independent

· A need to supplement staffing.

Additionally, as more workers continue to seek opportunities to work from home, assistive technology paired with remote supports may make it possible for people who receive services to maintain longer working relationships with their preferred staff members.

245D requirements

For people who receive Minn. Stat. 245D-licensed services, teams are required, at a minimum, to discuss how technology can be used to meet a person’s desired outcomes during the person’s 45-day planning meeting, and at least annually thereafter. Coordinated service and support plans must include a summary of this discussion. People are not required to use assistive technology, but they must have the opportunity to make an informed decision.

Strategies to support informed decisions

When discussing support options, the lead agency might:

· Provide examples of assistive technology: Share online videos, device demonstrations, etc.

· Refer to System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR): Use this free resource that provides consultation, free device loans/trials, device demonstrations, etc.

· Ask for help from assistive technology providers: Keep the conversation current as options and features evolve

· Use plain language: Avoid technical terms or industry jargon, when possible, to keep information meaningful to the largest number of people possible

· Address negative past encounters: Discuss concerns or problems from previous experiences with assistive technology, such as cost, privacy, etc.

· Use the Minnesota Guide to Assistive Technology — SETT framework: Learn how to assess a person’s assistive technology needs.

Questions

We will continue to share additional information about assistive technology each month. For more information or to ask questions, use the DSD Contact Form.

Previous eList announcements

AASD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD STAKEHOLDER ARCHIVE