The Basics

Creating Organizational Buy-In Part 1
Monday, September 17, 2018 - 09:47

Gaining organizational buy-in for change can be difficult, but it doesn’t need to be. We’ve broken down our most recent training webinar into a three-part post series where three experts who have gone through the technology implementation process share how they helped bring and spread the use of technology supports within their own organizations. In part one of the series, The Basics, experts cover the basic steps needed to bring forward technology supports as a valid option for your organization and the individuals you help support based on their experiences.

Get to know the experts:

Sean Henderson, Information Systems Analytics Manager Hammer Residences
Kathy Larson, Director of Brain Injury and Specialty Support Services REM Minnesota
Kit Piltingsrud, Program Manager and Assistive Technology Professional Living Well Disability Services

Get Educated

The first step to gaining buy-in from others is being able to articulate why you believe in something, and why it’s a good choice.

  • Identify what you are trying to solve for, keeping the individual at the center. Assessment guides are great options to get you started.
  • Research possible solutions or next steps. A great place to start is the Technology Resource Center Library, which includes success stories, specially designed resources, and helpful links from around the web.
  • Find out what costs might be involved. Research possible solutions online and/or request information from tech vendors or peers. TRC Mentors are great resources to reach out to—they’ve been through this process before, and are ready to help.

Hear from the experts and utilize the resources below:

Bring it Forward

Now that you have identified the need, a potential solution, and rough costs associated, you can bring your plan forward to your supervisor or key stakeholders further explaining why you believe this to be a great solution for the individual, and for your organization.

  • Highlight the benefits of technology use (autonomy, decrease in staff hours, increase in staff efficiency, etc)
  • Share examples. Show examples of supports actually helping people to gain buy-in and excitement.

Hear more from the experts:

Spread the Knowledge

Now that you’ve got the attention of your boss and/or key stakeholders, further develop your case for technology and begin sharing concepts with others in your organization and the people you help support.

  • Bring in the experts for a “show-and-tell” experience. Many vendors offer free demos.
  • Use tech-solve language or terms around co-workers, individuals, and families to familiarize them.
  • Have open discussions with primary care staff to determine real needs/wants and promote innovation.

In part two and part three of the series, experts will dive deeper into ways to spread the knowledge throughout your organization to create buy-in. Concepts include ways to educate all members of the care team, maintaining support, and how to become the champion for technology use within your organization. Stay tuned!

Don’t miss the next article!

Visit the ARRM Technology Resource Center to learn about more success stories and case studies showing how technology is changing the lives of those living with disabilities or learn more about how to start the conversation.

Category:

Interest:

Articles

More Informational Guides

How to Fund Technology Supports

After having the initial conversation about technology supports and then making a plan to implement that technology, individuals, families, providers, and case managers often find themselves at odds with forms and paperwork. This at best slows down the whole process and at worst can halt it completely. Never fear, we’ll take you through the process and help you get your projects back on track.

Alternate Overnight Supervision

A proven way to increase both independence and privacy of the person served, this newer monitoring practice is called Alternate Overnight Supervision and can be utilized following a formal assessment of the individual and once informed consent has been given by the person served. Along with obtaining an AOST (Alternate Overnight Supervision Technology) License, defined policies and procedures must be in place.

Measuring for Success

With newly implemented technology support strategies, it is important to measure the success, not only for persons-served and staff, but the financial success as well. To get a full look at the impact technology supports have had on an organization, providers should consider several key factors when assessing the financial output and associated benefits of the plan in place to determine cost effectiveness.

Getting to Know Assistive Technology

Assistive technology devices can either be created at home, purchased and used off the shelf, modified, and/or customized to meet individual goals and needs. From low-tech options such as toy or game modification to high-tech devices that include voice recognition or elopement monitors, assistive technology is empowering those with disabilities to live, work, and play in the most independent way possible.

Breaking Barriers

You believe in the power of technology and the benefits it creates for everyday living—for everyone.

Basic Home Network Security: What You Need to Know

Assistive technologies like voice-generated searches, hover recognition, and refreshable braille displays have made notable strides in recent years, and significantly contributed to promoting independence for those living with physical or cognitive disabilities—all the more reason, then, to make sure your home network is adequately protected. Keeping assistive technology secure is a positive step towards reinforcing independence and privacy.

Becoming a Champion for Technology

Being a part of an organization that utilizes all available resources to assist not only those you help support, but the staff and overall operations of the compan

DIY VS PRO: Monitoring Supports

Technology advances in the last decade have had an unprecedented, positive impact on the daily lives of most Americans; however, the world of support for Americans with disabilities has remained largely untouched by the use of emerging technologies. That is poised to change.

5 Assistive Technology Facebook Groups You Should Join

One of the greatest features on Facebook that allows like-minded people to connect outside of their inner circle is groups. A Facebook group is a page that can be created for an organization or business to promote activities or for a specific topic that enthusiasts can learn more about and contribute to the conversation.