LANSING, MI – Peckham is joining the Michigan Technology First Task Force. This Task Force will bring Technology First initiatives to Michigan and provide a blueprint for integrating it into the state’s system of support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Task Force is funded by a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, through Easterseals MORC.

“At Peckham, we serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who will greatly benefit from the use of enabling technology for independent living, vocational training and transportation access,” said Sarah George, Peckham’s Director of Mission Initiatives and Task Force member.

Technology First calls for changes in the system that provides care to people with disabilities, making technology and remote support more widely available and funded through Medicaid waivers. Technology First initiatives have launched in some form in 40 states. The grant funding will enable the Task Force to introduce the program to Michigan, which is one of only 13 states without public funding for enabling technology for individuals with disabilities.

“In many cases where Tech First has been adopted, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have experienced increased autonomy and personal growth as well as improved quality of life,” added George. “It will also help alleviate Michigan’s caregiver crisis by freeing up direct care personnel for individuals with higher needs.”

MOKA, a caregiver agency in Western Michigan, has two smart homes that are part of a pilot program where people with disabilities live and learn greater independence.

“The Technology First Task Force is essential in advancing the change needed to support innovative living options like MOKA’s smart homes,” said Tracey Hamlet, MOKA’s executive director. “Technology plays a vital role in empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live more independently and with greater dignity.”

The Task Force includes diverse stakeholders from across the State, including self-advocates, parent advocates, and representatives from service providers, advocacy organizations, technology experts, and the business and philanthropic communities.

The Task Force will work over the next two years to develop a road map for implementing Technology First in Michigan. Michigan has 45,000 individuals living with an intellectual and developmental disability on Medicaid. Long-term, the implementation of Technology First will enable individuals with intellectual disabilities to live more independent and self-directed lives while reducing healthcare costs.

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Peckham is a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization that provides paid job training opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. For nearly 50 years, Peckham has provided jobs and job skills training to thousands of individuals with barriers through five different business lines throughout Michigan, with additional operations in Phoenix, Arizona and London, Kentucky. 

Peckham has been named a Great Place to Work for ten consecutive years. This national award-winning organization is recognized for its achievement in providing exceptional vocational rehabilitation, creating inclusive cultures, and building quality workplaces for employees.