Ohio has long been a leader in exploring technology-based and remote support solutions for people with disabilities. These supports can offer powerful benefits, like more privacy for individuals, reduced service costs, and less strain on DSP staffing capacity. But turning this vision into reality has been a challenge due to barriers like infrastructure needs, training, and even adoption. That is, until now. Thanks to out-of-the-box thinking, vision, and a grant, Summit County now has its first local provider capable of providing and supporting remote support services!

A Grant-Funded Pilot with Big Potential

In October 2024, a unique partnership formed between Summit DD, local provider Louisa Ridge, tech consultant ShiftAbility, and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). Funded by a technology grant, Summit DD and Louisa Ridge, the goal was to explore how tech-enabled supports could enhance – not replace – traditional disability services.

This pilot focused on giving people more autonomy and choice, without sacrificing safety. Summit DD’s Assistant Director, Joe DiFranco, said that the project addressed key barriers to implementing tech supports. Summit DD worked collaboratively with Louisa Ridge and people served to understand needs, explore viable solutions, and create real-world applications.

“Remote support isn’t about removing staff – it’s about supporting individuals in a different way,” DiFranco explained, adding this approach adds options and is about expanding the toolkit for individuals.

Building from the Ground Up – Provider First

What sets this pilot apart was its provider-first approach. Louisa Ridge, with support from ShiftAbility and Summit DD’s Tech Team (consisting of SSAs and Community Supports and Development staff), became the first local agency to fully train staff to identify appropriate candidates for tech-enabled supports, use the equipment, and implement the supports successfully.

ShiftAbility provided training to help Louisa Ridge evaluate individuals who might benefit from remote support. They also guided the team through the setup and monitoring process for the necessary assistive technology.

“This felt like a true partnership,” said Louisa Ridge co-owner Raychelle Kidd. “It was empowering and gave us confidence.” She hopes other providers will have the opportunity to go through a similar journey.

A Shift in Perspective

At first, the idea of tech-driven supports was met with some hesitation. But after a few brainstorming sessions and deeper discussions – especially with their younger team members – Raychelle Kidd and co-owner Aricka Walker saw the potential.

“After talking to my sons [who are also part of the Louisa Ridge team], we saw the sky was the limit for the people we serve,” explained Kidd. “Gen Z is very socially conscientious. This model not only helps us serve more people, but it also attracts and retains younger talent.”

Louisa Ridge staff saw the results immediately. “Individuals were excited from the beginning just by not having people in their space all the time,” Kidd noted.

Walker said she sees remote supports as the future of services – empowering people with disabilities to engage with the world beyond their physical communities while offering DSPs a more sustainable work-life balance.

Collaboration

Louisa Ridge credits the success of the pilot to the thoughtful, collaborative process that included staff, Summit DD’s Service and Support Administrators (SSAs), individuals receiving services, and their guardians.

“There were lots of nuances,” Kidd reflected. “We needed a lot of hand-holding at first. But now we’re confident and ready to manage it ourselves.”

DiFranco expressed his optimism about the future of tech-enabled supports, noting, “These resources didn’t exist before [in Summit County]. It’s a big advantage to have someone who does it all,” he said of Louis Ridge’s ability to monitor and be on call locally.  “Louisa Ridge is able to cut costs without cutting care.”

Future of Tech-Enabled Support

With this pilot, Summit County has taken a major step forward in reimagining what disability supports can look like – based in technology, driven by providers, and centered around the needs and goals of the individuals they serve. And this team is hoping this is just the beginning.

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Learn more about our supports for people with developmental disabilities.