Tech First:
Empowering
People with Disabilities
Through Enabling Technology
Michigan Tech First Task Force
In 2025, the Michigan Tech First Task Force was launched to create a statewide blueprint for making Michigan a Tech First state—a state where technology is prioritized to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This site is your go-to resource for Tech First news, Michigan Tech First Task Force updates, and educational materials. Explore how enabling technology and remote supports are transforming independence, reducing reliance on caregivers, and addressing workforce challenges across Michigan.
What is Tech First?
Technology First is the practice of considering technology first in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Technology includes many things such as simple medication reminders or dispensing devices, phone apps, sensors on doors and windows, environmental controls or systems that enable individuals to communicate with remote staff by using phones or web-based technology.
Technology can be a creative solution to support a person’s desire for more independence at home, in the community, and at work. Enabling Technology allows people to use smart or electronic devices to experience greater independence and security and reduces reliance on caregivers.
Enabling Technology Supports Independence
Enabling technology includes any form of technology that allows an individual to complete activities of daily living, their job, hygiene, recreational activities and entertainment, transportation and communication more easily.
Examples of enabling technology include but are not limited to:
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medication dispensers
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smart refrigerators
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bed sensors
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motion sensors
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communication devices
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home controls
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camera-enabled doorbells
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flood detectors
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hot water temperature controls
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voice-activated controls
Instant Help with Remote Supports
Remote supports are technology-enabled services that allow individuals—especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities—to receive assistance from trained staff located off-site. These supports use live, two-way communication tools such as sensors, video devices, and smart home technology to monitor safety, provide reminders, and offer help when needed.
Rather than replacing in-person care, remote supports offer a flexible alternative that promotes independence, privacy, and self-determination. They are tailored to each person’s needs and integrated into their person-centered service plan.
Remote supports can reduce reliance on direct care staff, address workforce shortages, and empower individuals to live more independently in their homes and communities.
Why Tech First is Needed in Michigan
30-40%
Turnover rate of Direct Care Workers in Michigan
18.2%
Average percent of unfilled Direct Care Worker positions
36,000
Current shortage of Direct Care Workers in Michigan
5.5 million
Anticipated Direct Care Worker shortfall nationally by 2032
50%
Potential savings in direct care costs for individuals using remote support
27 million
Number of people with IDD anticipated to need care nationally in 2050
