Ohio Becomes First State in Country to Designate as a Technology First State
According to a recent news article, Ohio Governor John Kasich recently signed an executive order to expand access to technology for Ohioans with developmental disabilities by designating Ohio as the first state in the country to be a Technology First state. The Executive Order ensures technology will be considered and part of all service and support plans for people with disabilities.
“As we have worked in Ohio to renew economic growth and prosperity, we have made it a priority to leave no one behind — including those with developmental disabilities,” Governor John Kasich said. “The advancements we are seeing in technology with remote monitoring and advanced sensors are helping improve the way we care for those with disabilities and significantly improve the quality of life and increase independence for many. We can and should put these breakthroughs to work for the Ohioans who need them.”
John Martin, director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, said Ohio is a national leader in technology. “We have more folks using remote technology, we think, any other state in the United States,” Martin said. “We have come a long way since being the first state to have it in our waiver, to where we are today. “Thanks to Governor Kasich for really supporting us on this technology adventure that we are on. We are here today because of the support of many folks in our community. We have families who pushed for it, individuals with disabilities who have asked for it, county board folks who their (service and support administrators) have worked with staff and inventors [and] advocacy groups to help move this forward.”
The article further states “while many Ohioans with developmental disabilities face obstacles in their daily activities, as well as in accessing education and jobs, this effort to expand access to technology offers people an opportunity to experience independence and personal freedom, while improving their quality of life.”