Technology 101: Terminology, Funding, And Resources For The IDD Field

| |

Share This Post

Technology 101: Terminology, Funding, And Resources For The IDD Field

Posted on August 25, 2025

By Angela Rapp Kennedy, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist

Technology continues to be an ever-growing part of our day-to-day life. That should be no different for the people receiving supports and services through the IDD service system. With all the various terms, funding sources, regulations, and uses, it can sometimes become confusing as you work to support people to access and take full advantage of the benefits of all the types of available technology. Consider this edition of the Capstone as a basic Technology 101 to define terms and explore resources.

Technology Terminology

First let’s look at some terminology. You have probably experienced the multitude of various terms found when discussing technology supports in the IDD field. Often there are overlaps in terms of definitions, examples, funding, and uses. It can be important to understand the various terms as it makes a difference in eligibility for funding and resource access. The federal government and states utilize these terms to identify what can be paid for under any number of funding sources such as Medicaid, Medicare, HCBS waivers, and more. Here are a few terms to consider.

Assistive Technology

Let’s start with probably the oldest and most well-known: Assistive Technology (AT). According to the federal Assistive Technology Act, AT is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”

This definition is broad and wide-ranging including items considered “low tech” such as a spoon with an adaptive handle, all the way up to computers controlled by eye gaze and smart home automation. When discussing Assistive Technology, it is not just about a “product,” the definition includes everything it takes to access and use the “tech” including assessments, customizing solutions, training the person and their support team to use the tech, as well as ongoing needed repairs. While we all use various technology day-to-day, it becomes Assistive Technology when it removes barriers to people accessing their environment and living as independently as possible. For example, you might use Alexa at your house for a variety of things, while Alexa becomes AT for a person with mobility limitations who uses it to turn their lights on and off.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Social Security defines DME as “equipment which can withstand repeated use, and is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose, and generally is not useful to a person in the absence of an illness or injury, and is appropriate for use in the home.” DME includes items such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, lifts, oxygen equipment, etc. While DME would be considered Assistive Technology, not all Assistive Technology meets the definition of DME.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) put simply are ways people might communicate when speech is limited or not an option. AAC strives to enhance communication through methods, systems, and devices that supplement and/or replace natural speech. As with other types of technology, AAC can range from low tech such as writing or pointing to pictures, to high tech which might include an iPad or a speech generating device. AAC would also be considered a subset of Assistive Technology.

Enabling Technology

The term Enabling Technology is not unique to services found within the IDD field. For our purposes – in terms of its use within the IDD community – it might be best understood as a concept involving the use of a variety of equipment, tools, systems, and/or devices in innovative ways to support people at home, in their community, and at work, in ways that supports their independence and improves their quality of life. Our partners at the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging have embraced this concept with their Enabling Technology Program.

Everyday Technology

We’re using the term Everyday Technology for technology that is commonly used in everyday life by people of all walks of life around the world and encompasses a wide range of devices, systems, apps, and more. These are designed to enhance convenience, efficiency, access, connectivity, entertainment, and more. Examples include such things as smart phones, computers, smart home appliances and systems, smart TVs, smart light bulbs, transportation related apps/devices, wearable health devices, money management apps, and more. While where people might purchase this everyday tech depends on the requirements of the funding source, most of it can be found at your local hardware, home improvement, or office supply store, as well as through online retailers.

Technology First

With a 2018 Executive Order, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities became the first state in the US to declare themselves a Technology First State. The stated goal was to emphasize expanding access to technology for people served in the Ohio DD service system. In the intervening years, over 40 states in the US have embraced the concept either through legislation or other initiatives. As it has become known across the US and beyond, “Technology First” aims to have person-centered planning processes consider possible technology supports first, rather than as an afterthought.

In the article ‘Technology First Yet to Impact HCBS Allocation,’ Dr. Carli Friedman, CQL’s Director of Research, wrote that “Technology First states are those that commit to removing barriers and maximizing people with IDD’s access to technology. While how states implement Technology First differs by state, it represents a commitment to systems change in order to expand people with IDD’s access to technology.”

Remote Supports

In conversations about technology, the topic of Remote Supports will certainly come up. While Remote Supports use technology, they go beyond a particular app or tool. To better understand Remote Supports, including what they are and are not, we reached out to Night Owl Support Systems, a founding member of CAIRSS, Coalition for the Advancement and Integration of Remote Support Services, who shared this.

By Ed Makowski, Night Owl Support Systems, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator

Remote Supports is a technology-based service that allows trained Remote Support Professionals (RSPs) to deliver live support to a person at a remote location. The primary goal is to foster a person’s independence while maintaining their safety as they live in the community. This approach allows for minimal daily intervention while maximizing safety, security and independence for people who do not require around-the-clock, in-person care.

Remote Supports (RS) systems utilize a variety of sensors and devices that transmit real-time data to RSPs working from a central monitoring station. RSPs respond to sensor events according to an RS Protocol developed for each person. RSPs can also proactively reach out to people to provide prompts, reminders, and check-ins.

After the initial determination that a person could be supported by Remote Supports, the person, their team, and the Remote Supports provider meet to develop the person-centered Remote Supports plan. The plan includes service hours, technology to be used, which methods RSPs will use to respond to events, and any other imperative information pertaining to the person served.

RS systems often include standard devices such as smoke detectors, door sensors, and window sensors, in addition to more sophisticated integrated Assistive Technology devices such as wearables, medication dispensers, mobile personal emergency response systems (PERS), and tablets.

RS often allow residential provider agencies to more effectively deploy their Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce to assist the people they support. By leveraging RS during periods where in-person care isn’t necessary, staffing resources can be reallocated to support other people requiring in-person assistance.

After the initial determination that a person is a good candidate for Remote Supports, the person, their support team, and the RS provider meet to develop a person-centered Remote Supports plan. This plan outlines the scheduled service hours, the technology to be used, and the specific methods by which RSPs will respond to designated sensor events.

Remote Supports can benefit a broad range of people in a variety of settings, even beyond traditional IDD populations. People who are aging or adolescents transitioning from youth services into the community, can benefit from the supported alone time provided by RS. Services that Remote Supports companies offer can evolve as individual needs and their living situations change throughout their lives.

Anecdotally, people supported and DSPs observe that experiencing more freedom and alone time afforded by RS results in more contented people and less friction between staff and housemates, contributing to a more harmonious home environment.

Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of people using RS. Factors include the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a necessity to support people remotely, as well as people with IDD becoming more familiar and comfortable with RS technologies. Additionally, states have incorporated Remote Supports as a recognized service. Advancements in technology and time in the marketplace, with verifiable success, are also factors toward industry acceptance.

While the increase of Remote Supports is positive, maintaining standards is crucial to protect safety and to ensure individual people are an appropriate fit to utilize RS.

Funding and Regulation

By Angela Rapp Kennedy, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist

Once we begin to understand the various options, the next issue to address is how to get what is needed into the hands of those who need it. In short, how do we pay for it? First, there are the legislative underpinnings and systems found across the country.

Assistive Technology Act

As mentioned earlier, the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (AT Act) is a federal law designed to maximize the ability of people with disabilities to select, obtain, and use assistive technology. The Act created a network of federally funded state technology-related programs designed to support people with disabilities who need access to technology. This helps them do the things they want to do, to live the life they want, as independently as possible. The AT Act was reauthorized in 2022 with the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act, which updated and modernized the law. The National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center provides a wealth of information about assistive technology.

At the state-level, the AT Act includes:

Demonstration activities that offer people an opportunity to try out and become familiar with different devices.
Device Loans that let people borrow AT to try it out and see if it meets their needs before they actually purchase something.
Reutilization activities that facilitate the reuse of assistive technology no longer being used by its original owner, which provides a new owner needed technology at a great cost savings.
State Financing that allows for a variety of loans and other non-AT Act financial initiatives that enable people to acquire needed AT.
State Leadership activities that include training, technical assistance, information and referral, and public awareness.

An incredible amount of data regarding the usage of the AT Act, as well as best practices and more, can be found at the Center for Assistive Te chnology Act Data Assistance (CATADA).

The State Grant for Assistive Technology Program is a formula-based, non-competitive grant that supports states and territories’ efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology to people with disabilities of all ages.

The important takeaway is that every state has resources to assist you as you seek funding for tech supports.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes provisions that AT devices and services be made available to any child with a disability, if required as a part of the child’s special education, related services, or supplementary aids and services.

How To Pay For It

So now on to the question of how to cover the costs for any one individual. The answer is both simple and extremely complicated, depending on the technology, the use, and the user. Here are some (not an exhaustive list) possible funding avenues:

School Systems

Government Programs

Social Security through PASS and IRWE plans
Veteran’s Administration
Tricare military insurance
Medicare
Medicaid State Plan services
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Assistive Technology Act
Private health insurance

Rehabilitation and Job Training Programs

Employers

Assistive technology may be considered a reasonable accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and /or the ADA to enable an employee to perform essential job tasks.

Other Sources

ABLE Accounts
Private foundations, charities, and civic organizations

Thinking About Next Steps

Sometimes we end up with inertia because a task seems overwhelming, unknown, complicated, and potentially daunting. That can certainly be the case with technology, especially when we start to think that we have to be an expert, and that everything needs to be “high tech,” and therefore expensive. In reality, we all use technology every day and that is how we can start to be of help to the people we support – thinking about how we use technology. We highly recommend you look for simple, affordable, and easily accessible solutions first. You should also ensure that person-centered exploration and planning is the driver of whatever you do, which includes The Three E’s: Education, Experience, and Exposure, to ensure informed consent.

Resources To Learn More About Technology In The IDD Field

Here are some links to get you thinking and exploring technology, whether it’s enabling technology, assistive technology, everyday technology, or other options.

General Technology Information

Specific Technologies: Apps, Devices, Services

Technology Reports and Research

Funding Technology Options

International Assistive Technology Initiatives

Assistive Technology for People with IDD in Medicaid HCBS

The aim of this study was to examine how states offered and allocated assistive technology for people with IDD in their Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. To do so, we analyzed HCBS waivers from across the United States in fiscal year (FY) 2021.

Receive Best Practices In Your Inbox

CONNECT WITH CQL