Breaking Barriers

Creating Organizational Buy-In Part 2
Monday, October 8, 2018 - 10:25

You believe in the power of technology and the benefits it creates for everyday living—for everyone. Now how do you share and spread your enthusiasm with others in your organization? How do you get co-workers, family members, and self-advocates on board with adding technology supports into existing care plans to increase independence and privacy? In part two of our three-part post series on creating organizational buy-in, three experts walk you through what they did within their own organizations to break down common barriers and gain buy-in from all members of the care team.

Miss the first series post? Read more about ‘The Basics’ of creating organizational buy-in here.

The experts:

Sean Henderson, Information Systems Analytics Manager Hammer Residences
Kathy Larson, Director of Brain Injury and Specialty Support Services REM Minnesota
Kit Piltingsrud, Program Manager and Assistive Technology Professional Living Well Disability Services

Help Combat Fears

Knowing what common fears exist for all members of the care team is essential to gaining buy-in. Being prepared with educational resources and responses for uncertainty may aid in moving the implementation forward.

  • Find out what concerns individuals have regarding technology usage. If you don’t know what their fears/concerns are, you won’t be able to properly navigate them.
  • Share resources you collected during your research phase to help get them up to speed with offerings and possibilities.Hear from the experts and utilize the resources below:

Bring in the Tech

  • Share examples of technology supports you think will benefit the individual with members of the care team. Live demos allow for increased excitement and questions.
  • Start small. Beginning introductions with low-cost or low-tech options may help ease the transition and offer limited risk to get individuals used to the idea of technology.
  • Create a shared learning experience by getting as many people involved with the setup of the technology as possible. Shared learning often leads to better questions, understanding, and increased buy-in support.

Maintain Open Communication

When assessing and offering person-centered technology solutions, open communication lines are a must. Not only will it help keep everyone on the same page, but will also help prepare individuals for any changes that may occur.

  • Offer choices to include all members of the care team in the planning.
  • Discuss the cyclical nature of person-centered solutions. Being prepared for change and expressing that reality to members of the care team is paramount to lessen frustrations and maintain buy-in.
  • Check in often with the individual and other support team members to ensure technology solutions are meeting current needs. Taking stock through scheduled assessments is a great way to ensure the individual’s current needs are met.

In part three of the series, experts discuss how they became the champions for technology use within their organizations and offer ideas on how you too can lead the way in your organization.


Don’t miss the next article!

Visit the ARRM Technology Resource Center to learn about more success stories and case studies showing how technology is changing the lives of those living with disabilities or learn more about how to start the conversation.

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