Missouri Blends Employment First and Technology First Priorities

According to a recent newsletter article, Missouri’s Division of Developmental Disabilities has blended its priorities on Employment First and Technology First. “The concept of remote supports through the use of iPads/tablets and apps to help individuals in the workplace is a relatively new strategy which benefits employment providers, community businesses, and individuals”, said Duane Shumate, Director of Employment. Through funding from the Kessler Foundation and the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development, the Division has partnered with UMKC Institute for Human Development (IHD) on a demonstration pilot to help employment service providers integrate technology to promote greater independence for workers with disabilities. An added component of the project is to help bridge the direct support professional staffing shortage. Pilot sites are located in northeast Missouri (Learning Opportunities), central Missouri (Alternative Community Training), and western Missouri (The Farmer’s House).

FMI https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2019/11/directconnectionnewsletternovember2019.pdf