Remote Supports & Enabling Technologies
Enabling technology is any type of technology that helps a person with a disability to gain or achieve independence in their home, community, or work setting. This could include items such as sensors, automated medication dispensers, software applications, tablets, smart devices, and more.
Remote supports (RS) are the use of enabling technology to remotely support an person with intellectual and development disabilities in place of physical staff presence. Technology allows a remotely located person to monitor the health and safety of the person without being physically present at the same location. Communication with the remote supports staff is through live phone calls or video chat. Emergency response staff is sent to the home or worksite when needed for in-person assistance.
Remote supports and enabling technologies are used to promote a person’s goals for independence, autonomy, and self-determination.
To be eligible for remote supports and enabling technology, the individual must be receiving DDS waiver services. We encourage you to visit one of a Smart Home Demonstration Sites to learn more about enabling technology
An individual can use a mixture of remote supports and in-person supports to meet their needs – but not simultaneously. Remote supports can be increased over time as the person becomes more comfortable or decreased when needed.
Please contact TellDDS@okdhs.org for questions regarding remote supports and enabling technologies.
“For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.” – IBM Training Manual 1991
- AbleLInk Scissortail Companion
- AbleLink Smart Living Service
- AbleLink Smart Travel Service
- AbleLink Wayfinder
- Alert Medical Alarms Smartwatch
- Alert Medical Alarms Tear Drop
- Alert Medical Alarms Adaptive Devices
- Alert Medical Alarms Kindness Calls
- Alert Medical Alarms Text to Locate
- Alert Medical Alarms Dispatch Reporting
- Alert Medical Alarms Solutions
- Dose Health Resources
- Dose Flip Smart Pillbox
- Dose Flip Personal Emergency Response Systems
- MapHabit Overview
- MapHabit Supports Independence
- MapHabit Flyer
- MapHabit Learning Hub
- Nanopac Orcam
- MyGuide Video Playlist
- SafeInHome - How it Works
- SafeInHome - Success Stories
- SafeInHome - Blog to Learn More
- Medicaid (SoonerCare) members are eligible for low-cost internet service. Visit your local internet or cable provider to access this benefit. Lifeline is an FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides a monthly discount on qualifying phone, Internet, or bundled service from participating providers. Click here for a list of providers. Click here for for a list of providers.
- Digital Literacy - Computer Basics Training
- Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI): This resource helps consumers find devices with the accessibility features that work best for them.
- Mobile Internet Skills Training Toolkit: Is a set of free resources to teach people the basic skills they need to access and use mobile internet.
- Online Safety Training - This free resource has been designed to empower participants and their support networks to adopt safe online practices and build digital resilience.
Justin is one of more than 8,100 individuals with disabilities that have been served by DDS and its community partners. Central State Community Services of Oklahoma (CSCSO) is among many DDS partners providing home and community-based services to individuals with disabilities through supported living services including habilitation training, transportation services and employment.
Justin benefited from DDS supports for several years and was receiving services through CSCSO while living in a residential home in Tulsa County. He had two roommates, but he really wanted to live on his own.
“Justin did not want roommates,” said Dada Mboh, CSCSO Senior Support Coordinator. “We really wanted to help him get his own place and achieve his goal of independence.”
Through the support of his team, Justin was able to move into his own apartment and receive eight hours per day of in-person support services. While receiving that valuable support, Justin decided he wanted to be even less dependent on staff. Justin’s guardian, his brother John, was well aware of Justin’s desire to live on his own with as little assistance as possible. To find the best pathway to make Justin’s dream of independence become reality, John and Justin worked with the provider and case manager to develop a plan and implement it.
“I wanted the opportunity to become a man,” said Justin.
In late March 2020, DDS received approval to use what are called “remote supports” through a temporary emergency approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Remote supports include the use of cell phones andvideo conferencing to remotely support a person instead of providing in-person support by provider staff. Justin quickly chose the option to receive remote supports via phone or online.
“My brother Justin is fiercely independent and sets challenging goals for himself,” said John. “DDS and CSCSO have provided critical support to ensure financial, medical and social stability for Justin which has allowed him to flourish and achieve many life goals in a short period of time.”
In just 18 months, Justin successfully transitioned to his own apartment, completed driver training, received a driver’s license and was hired by a local home improvement center.
“The stability and mentoring from DDS and CSCSO, coupled with Justin’s ambition and positive attitude, have made all his achievements possible,” said John.
Justin says he feels like he is his “own man” now.
“Justin inspires me,” said Dada. “He is an amazing man.”
Justin, John, Dada and DDS. Another example of a mighty team working together to help make a dream come true.
