Enabling Technology
Ohio Technology First
In May 2018, Governor John Kasich signed the Technology First Executive Order, making Ohio the first state in the country to place an emphasis on expanding access to technology for people with developmental disabilities.
Under the executive order, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities works with county boards to ensure technology is considered as part of all service and support plans for people with disabilities. The executive order is not a technology-only policy but aims to help people learn more about how to use technology to improve their quality of life and how they can experience more independence and personal freedom.
Statewide Resources
The Ohio Tech Ambassador Networks website includes many resources that highlight individuals who use enabling technologies and their success stories. It has links for great resources throughout Ohio.
Fairfield DD Enabling Technology
Enabling technology falls directly within the Fairfield DD mission to bring about a vibrant community where people lead lives of greater independence and make meaningful contributions. Oftentimes, people may need to use innovative technology to enhance independence and experience inclusion.
Enable means to make something possible by providing the means or opportunity.
Technology is the application of knowledge for achieving practical goals. This can also include both tangible tools such as utensils or machines, and intangible things such as software. Technology plays a critical role in everyday life.
At Fairfield DD, we focus on 3 components that fall under the umbrella of enabling technology:
Smart Tech Trial Environment
In January 2023, the Smart Tech environment at Forest Rose began being used. This is a space that is filled with various enabling technologies that anyone (individuals, family members, providers, supports, etc.) is welcome to tour and explore to gain ideas about what types of enabling technologies exist and what might be beneficial for enhancing independence. This space is also being used by students at Forest Rose to learn to use technology supports as a way to make them more independent now, but also prepare them for transitions later in life.
Tech in action! Here is a video of opening a curtain using Alexa.
Having access to trial devices helps ensure that the technology is going to meet your needs or the needs of the person you support, before buying. Any person currently receiving services through Fairfield DD or anyone in their circle of supports, can make an online submission to trial devices for up to 30 days.
Categories include Adapted Toys, Augmentative & Alternative Communication, Aids for Daily Living, Computer & Tablet Access, Sensory Supports, Switches/Switch Interfaces, and Other (examples include smart plugs, wheelchair mounts for devices, etc.).
Click here to browse the items available to try.
Contact
Lori Ferbrache, MS, OTR/L, ATP is an occupational therapist and assistive technology professional and is the Assistive Technology Coordinator for Fairfield DD. She is here to assist anyone eligible for county board services in Fairfield County with any enabling technology needs including:
-education -assessment
-equipment trials -set-up
-device selection -training
-implementation
Please reach out to your ISC to initiate an enabling technology referral, or contact Lori directly at 740-785-8695 or lori.ferbrache@fairfielddd.com