What does it mean to be a “Technology First” state?
Technology First is “a framework for systems change where technology is considered first in the discussion of support options available to individuals and families through person-centered approaches to promote meaningful participation, social inclusion, self-determination and quality of life,” as defined by Tanis (2019). Put simply, the Technology First movement is the idea that, as we plan how to best support individuals with a disability, we start by looking at how technology can help. Instead of adding on technology as an afterthought, technology is brought up as a priority when planning services. The goal is to use technology in ways that help people be more independent, stay connected to their support systems, make choices about their own lives, and improve their overall well-being.
From Technology to Empowerment
Anthony Hall has received remote support monitoring from TruCare Provider Services since 2024. He utilizes scheduled reminders and assistive technology from his Remote Support staff to manage his daily schedule. Anthony has embraced remote support services to give him more control in his day-to-day life. With his remote team, Anthony has been able to transform his living space to be safer and more independent. In his free time, Anthony is a collector of old radios and cameras and enjoys going antiquing.
Last week, he attended the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Awards banquet. Surrounded by support from his family, and a few people from his TruCare team, Anthony received the Technology Empowerment Award for his use of assistive technology for self-advocacy and independence. Thank you to Kelly Hampton, from Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, for presenting Anthony’s award and acknowledging all his hard work. Anthony’s extraordinary achievements are his own, but at TruCare, our Remote Monitoring team is committed to improving outcomes and facilitating the success of each and every individual we serve. Our goal will always be to support our individuals in developing the skills that will allow the most independence possible. Congratulations Anthony!
Inaugural Studio 42 Video Podcasts
On Friday, February 21, 2025, we celebrated the completion of our new “Studio 42 Video Podcast Center”. The podcast center is complete with a RODE podcaster module, adjustable LED lighting, remote wireless 4K digital video cameras, elevating tables and chairs, wired and wireless professional microphones and green screen. We have assembled the technical tools necessary to move TruCare Provider Services into our next growing phase.
We were excited to kick-off Studio 42 with our honorable guests, US Congressman Greg Landsman, and Hamilton County Commissioner President Denise Driehaus. Joe Hoefker interviewed Congressman Landsman. Tom Gugel and Diana Mairose interviewed Commissioner Driehaus. Congressman Landsman and Commissioner Driehaus are longtime advocates of people with developmental disabilities. Congressman Landsman, whose mother was a teacher for students with developmental disabilities, and Commissioner Driehaus both have participated and backed significant legislation and acts that support people with developmental disabilities. If you would like to see their interviews, go to our website at www.tcpsinc.org.
Studio 42 will help TruCare reach several goals over the next few years. Foremost, individuals will develop self-esteem, improve their speaking and script writing skills, and will have a tool to self-advocate. The videos will be accessible on social media and podcast platforms and enable TruCare to empower their voices to speak about their personal goals and what their life experiences having a developmental disability is like. Human resources will utilize the studio to create in-house training videos. The use of in-house produced videos will help standardize our orientations and training, ensuring everyone gets the same information. Staff will utilize a teleprompter to improve the training videos quality.
During a December State of Ohio Assistive Technology meeting, survey results indicated that SSA’s, individuals, and their families/guardians, believed they did not receive adequate information on available assistive technology and instruction on how to use it. We have created a white box studio in which we will record a demonstration of our core technology and discuss its negative/positive aspects and give instructions on how to use the technology. This will help individuals overcome the fear factor surrounding the use of technology support and will enhance our service process.
We look forward to discovering future uses of our studio center as we embrace this technical leap in our service offerings.
STABLE Accounts are providing the tools needed to invest in your future
STABLE Accounts are tax-free savings and investment accounts that allow eligible individuals with a disability to save and invest money without losing eligibility for other public benefit programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or Social Security Disability Insurance. STABLE Accounts have been possible in Ohio since 2016, after the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was passed by the United States Congress in 2014. Ohio was even the first state in the U.S. to implement an ABLE Program.
So…who can open a STABLE Account? You are eligible if you meet the following criteria:
- If you have a disability, physical impairment, or blindness developed before the age of 26 and will last, or has lasted, at least a year
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Confirm one of the following:
- If you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) because of a disability
- Have a condition listed of the Social Security Administration’s “List of Compassionate Allowances Conditions”
- Experience blindness as determined by the Social Security Act, or
- Has received, and can provide if asked, a signed diagnosis of the qualifying disability from a licensed physician
Benefits of a STABLE Account include:
- Easy Online Deposits – Contribute up to $19,000 per year, you may be able to contribute up to an additional $15,060 per year if employed
- Ease of Access to Contribute and Withdraw – The online access portal is simple, easy to use, and you can approve friends and family to add money to your account as well
- Diverse Investment Choices – Choose from five different investment options, including four mutual fund-based investments, and one FDIC-insured savings option (Save your money in an account for a rainy day, or invest your money and watch it grow over time!)
- Flexible Change Options – Freedom to change your investment options two times per year
Funds from your STABLE Account can be used to cover any Qualified Disability Expense, these must be related to the disability and help maintain or improve your health, independence, or quality of life. Qualified Disability Expenses can include basic living expenses, assistive technology, health & wellness, housing, administrative services, employment training, financial management, transportation, education, legal fees, or oversight & monitoring.
You can open a STABLE Account easily in about 20 minutes at www.stableaccount.com. You can do it yourself or be helped by a family member or legal guardian. To enroll, you’ll need your Full Name, Address, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Bank Account Number, and Bank Account Routing Number. In some cases, you may be asked to provide your Driver’s License or proof of Power of Attorney.
Questions about STABLE Accounts? Explore their website or reach out by calling 1-800-439-1653 or emailing [email protected] Monday – Friday 9AM-8PM EST.
Upcoming Events
6/28/25 – Cincinnati Pride
9/6/25 – DSAGC BuddyWalk
9/12/25 – Fall Picnic
10/25 – Trunk or Treat
11/25 – Thanksgiving Luncheon
12/25 – Christmas Party
2/12/26 – Valentine’s Day Party
TruCare Provider Services