Unlocking Autonomy with Enabling Technology

Nick Filarelli is the Executive Director at Core Services of Northeast Tennessee. With nearly two decades of experience, Nick has been transformative in the field of disability services, particularly in integrating technology to promote independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He began his career as a direct support professional and became an advocate for enabling technology, sharing his expertise widely across the United States and Canada. In 2022, Nick testified before the Arkansas state legislature, successfully advocating for the inclusion of enabling technology in the state's waiver program.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages with Nick Filarelli, an eminent figure in the realm of disability services. Nick elaborates on the pivotal role of enabling technology in enhancing the independence of individuals with disabilities, explaining its profound impact on both the people served and the workforce supporting them. As a seasoned leader and advocate, Nick shares insightful anecdotes and innovative strategies that Core Services of Northeast Tennessee has integrated to become a tech-first organization.

Throughout the conversation, Nick addresses the nuances of employing enabling technology as a solution to the staffing crisis that plagues the disability service field. He discusses common barriers and how technology can overcome them, ensuring a better quality of life for individuals with disabilities. He also highlights the importance of addressing potential risks and ethical concerns, emphasizing the essential role of intentional and thoughtful integration of technology in daily routines. Nick's insights illuminate a path toward a future-shaped by independence and empowerment for everyone involved in this vital field.

Key Takeaways:

• Enabling technology is redefined as a crucial tool for promoting the independence of individuals with disabilities, minimizing reliance on paid staff, and addressing the staffing crisis.
• The integration of technology should focus on overcoming barriers to independence, such as medication administration, emergency response, and daily living tasks.
• Risk management involves ensuring technology is used ethically and for the right reasons, not for inappropriate monitoring or control.
• The introduction of new technology-centric positions creates promotional avenues and flexibility for staff, improving their work-life harmony.

Notable Quotes:

• "Technology is probably by far the best tool we have in our toolbox right now to try to do things differently and plan for a changing future."
• "I find that the larger concern is not the technology not working, but it's people using it for the wrong reason."
• "We're always going to need people with big hearts and no interest in a computer. And we're going to put those with folks that need that type of support."

Resources:

• Core Services of Northeast Tennessee
• OPWDD Home-Enabling Supports

Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode for a deeper understanding of how technology is revolutionizing the field of disability services. Stay tuned for more inspiring and informative episodes from DSP Talk!

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