RHA Health Services is committed to learning about, exploring, and cultivating the use of technology in everyday life. RHA’s office in Memphis, TN, recently implemented focus groups and a technology table at their location.
We reached out to TN Senior Vice President Margaret Gartlgruber to learn more:
“RHA Memphis is in the process of becoming accredited with SHIFT, an online education and accreditation platform that is advancing and standardizing Technology First best practices and programming. As a component of our accreditation process, several RHA Enabling Technology Committee members facilitated a focus group comprised of people supported, direct support staff, and clinical staff of the Memphis Unit. The focus group helped us identify key questions regarding Enabling Technology as a component of RHA’s person-centered support model. We had a productive and engaging discussion that will help us shape how we approach the implementation, training, and monitoring of enabling technology in our service delivery system.”
The Technology table, coordinated and implemented by Assistive Technology Professional Bruce Jones and Chief Information Officer Denise Redfearn, is a prototype to be reproduced in other locations. Available technology included Echo Dot, Echo Microwave, Echo Show 8, Echo Wall Clock, Nest, Ring doorbell, lighted water temperature indicators, voice-controlled patio lights, and smart plugs. RHA aims to implement progressive and accessible technology to enhance the lives of the people we serve. As we learn of new technology that furthers our mission, we look forward to offering even more options. The Technology table is a fantastic opportunity to display and demonstrate the benefits of our current technology.
“The table demonstrates our available technology to persons supported, staff, and other stakeholders,” said Gartlgruber. “We want to ensure that everyone becomes familiar with and excited about the possibilities of Enabling Technology!”
Thank you, RHA Memphis, for leading the way and representing RHA’s mission to implement accessible technology in everyday life!