TN DDA Projects - SHIFT Employment First Certification Scholarship

TN DDA Projects - SHIFT Employment First Certification Scholarship is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (TN DDA) / SHIFT. This scholarship provides an opportunity for individual professionals to strengthen skills and earn or renew a SHIFT Employment First Certification at no cost. It is designed to support individuals and organizations in advancing Technology First practices.

TN DDA Projects – Tech First SHIFT TN DDA’s Division of Program Innovation and SHIFT are proud to partner once again to advance Tennessee’s Technology First commitment. Applications are open 8/3-8/14. Responses to applications will be communicated by 8/28.

Find more details and instructions on how to apply below. SHIFT is the nationally recognized leader in advancing Technology First standards and best practices across the long-term services and supports field. We do that through providing comprehensive education, professional certifications, organizational accreditation, and practical tools and resources.

SHIFT’s philosophy is that, in order to be successful in adopting an Technology First approach to services, people at every level of an agency or organization need to be knowledgeable about and involved in the process. The following Technology First coursework was designed with this in mind.

Technology First Foundations is most appropriate for direct support professionals, self-advocates, families and other supporters who want an introduction to enabling technology integration. This is a live, 2-hour education event. Enabling Technology Integration Specialist Certification is most appropriate for professionals who specialize in the integration of enabling technology.

These professionals often work with a provider organization or state agency to complete assessments, identify and implement appropriate technology solutions, provide training, and serve as a resource and mentor to other staff. Enabling Technology Navigator Certification is most appropriate for people who are responsible for developing and writing person-centered plans (case managers, service coordinators, program coordinators, etc.).

Enabling Technology Leadership Certification is most appropriate for the person who leads an organization in the process of a Technology First culture shift. Topics covered include essential components of a cultural transformation, best practices and policies, and national trends. Selection of Staff for Education If your organization's application is approved, SHIFT will be in touch with how many learners should be be enrolled.

The number depends on your organization's size, and whether your organization intends to pursue accreditation. SHIFT encourages organizations to be strategic in the selection of staff that will participate in this education. This is because we know that having the right people supporting your Technology First initiative will significantly increase the odds of your success.

SHIFT suggests that you consider the following: Include representation from all levels of the organization - from direct support to executive leadership. Include representation from all core service areas (residential, vocational, medical, etc.). Select people who have an interest in technology.

Select people who are influential in the organization. Select people who have the capacity and willingness to meet the educational requirements, including the 90 day completion timeline. Accreditation Opportunity Once all required learners have successfully completed their coursework and earned their certifications, the organization becomes eligible to be considered for Technology First Accreditation.

Being rewarded scholarship funds for accreditation does not guarantee entrance into the process, formal application and approval requirement. SHIFT staff will advise you through this process and guide your work through the steps toward accreditation. At SHIFT, we know that technology alone does not create meaningful outcomes.

The greatest successes occur when enabling technology is supported by strong systems, informed decision-making, trained staff, and a culture that values innovation and person-centered practices. Technology First Accreditation helps organizations establish that foundation so they can consistently use technology to decrease dependence, increase autonomy and help people live the life of their choosing.

Throughout the accreditation journey, SHIFT partners closely with organizations as a guide, resource, and subject matter expert. The process is designed not only to recognize organizations that have embraced Technology First principles, but also to help them build the systems, practices, and organizational capacity needed to sustain those efforts over time.

Organizations committed to advancing Technology First practices are invited to apply for a fully funded opportunity to participate in SHIFT's Technology First Education and Accreditation. This scholarship opportunity is designed to support organizations at every stage of their Technology First journey, from building foundational workforce competencies to achieving or maintaining Technology First Accreditation.

What the scholarship covers: Organizations may choose to apply for Technology First education, Technology First accreditation, or both. Eligible uses of scholarship funds include: • New Technology First certifications needed to meet accreditation requirements. • Certification renewals required to maintain accreditation eligibility and organizational certification thresholds.

• Initial Technology First Accreditation for organizations pursuing accreditation for the first time. • Re-accreditation for organizations seeking to maintain their accredited status and demonstrate continued commitment to Technology First principles and practices. Review the organizational scholarship details and questions in advance.

Prepare thoughtful, thorough narrative responses. Drafting your responses in Word or another document before submitting is strongly recommended. When asked for Project Name, enter TF:TNDDAFY27 Applications should include thoughtful, well-developed responses to each question.

In most cases, responses should be approximately 3–6 sentences per prompt. Applications that are incomplete or do not provide sufficient detail may not be considered for funding. Applications will be reviewed jointly by SHIFT subject matter experts and representatives from Tennessee DDA.

Scholarship funding is limited, and awards will be based on organizational readiness, demonstrated commitment to Technology First practices, alignment with project goals, and available funding. This scholarship provides an opportunity for individual professionals to strengthen skills and earn or renew a SHIFT Technology First Certification at no cost.

This application is intended for individual learners whose organizations are not applying for an organizational scholarship. If your organization is applying for scholarship funding for education, accreditation, or re-accreditation, you should work through your organization's application process rather than submitting an individual application.

What the scholarship covers: The scholarship may be used for: • Initial enrollment in a SHIFT Technology First certification program. • Certification renewals for individuals whose certifications are approaching expiration. Review the available course options under the Online Education section above.

Select the certification or renewal opportunity that best aligns with your professional goals. When asked for Project Name, enter TF:TNDDAFY27 Applicants should provide thoughtful, well-developed responses to each question. In most cases, responses should be approximately 3–6 sentences per prompt.

Incomplete applications or responses that do not adequately address the questions may not be considered. Applications will be reviewed by SHIFT subject matter experts and Tennessee DDA representatives. Scholarship funding is limited, and awards will be based on the quality of the application, alignment with Technology First principles, and available funding.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your expertise, advance your organization’s impact, and help lead the future of Technology First in Tennessee! SHIFT Education & Projects Coordinator Questions about Technology First education and accreditation should be directed to Beth . beth.

dyer@techfirstshift. com TN DDA's Director of Enabling Technology Questions about the scholarship program should be directed to Milton. Milton.

Neuenschwander@tn. gov “ Enabling Technology is the use of various forms of devices and tech to support a person with disabilities to live as independently as possible. These types of technologies include sensors, mobile applications, remote support systems, and other smart devices.

Enabling Technology can support a person in navigating their jobs and communities, gain more control of their environment, and provide remote support and reminders to assist a person in independent living. ” -TN DDA’s ENABLING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM Education & Accreditation Project TN DDA’s Division of Program Innovation and SHIFT are proud to partner once again to provide Employment First education and accreditation.

This project will begin accepting applications on July 6, 2026. Applications are due by July 31, 2026. Responses to applications will be communicated by August 11, 2026.

SHIFT is a recognized leader in advancing Employment First standards and best practices across the long-term services and supports field. We do that through providing comprehensive education, professional certifications, organizational accreditation, and practical tools and resources.

SHIFT’s philosophy is that, in order to be successful in adopting an Employment First approach to services, people at every level of an agency or organization need to be knowledgeable about and involved in the process. The following Employment First coursework was designed with this in mind. Employment First Foundations gives staff at all levels of an organization foundational knowledge for an Employment First approach.

This course reinforces the fact that everyoneis expected to support people with employment outcomes, regardless of the position they hold in the organization. This is a live, 2-hour education event. Employment First Job Coach Certification is for professionals who support individuals in the workplace, including current job coaches and those exploring job coaching as a career path.

Employment First Job Developer Certification (ACRE-Approved) is designed for professionals who develop and create employment opportunities for people receiving long-term support services — including current job developers and those preparing to step into this role. Employment First Leadership Certification is for professionals responsible for leading Employment First culture change within their organization or system.

Selection of Staff for Education If your organization's application is approved, SHIFT will be in touch with how many learners should be be enrolled. The number depends on your organization's size, and whether your organization intends to pursue accreditation. SHIFT encourages organizations to be strategic in the selection of staff that will participate in this education.

This is because we know that having the right people supporting your Employment First initiative will significantly increase the odds of your success. SHIFT suggests that you consider the following: Include representation from all levels of the organization - from direct support to executive leadership. Include representation from all core service areas (residential, vocational, medical, etc.).

Select people who have an interest in supporting employment. Select people who are influential in the organization. Select people who have the capacity and willingness to meet the educational requirements, including the 90 day completion timeline.

Accreditation Opportunity Once all required learners have successfully completed their coursework and earned their certifications, the organization becomes eligible to be considered for Employment First Accreditation. Being rewarded scholarship funds for accreditation does not guarantee entrance into the process, formal application and approval requirement.

SHIFT staff will advise you through this process and guide your work through the steps toward accreditation. Employment First accreditation is not simply a standards review. It is an operational partnership.

Organizations gain direct access to national experts in competitive integrated employment, organizational transformation, and systems alignment who understand the policy, funding, workforce, and cultural realities of advancing Employment First in complex service environments.

SHIFT experts provide focused, practical guidance to strengthen employment infrastructure, align service planning and performance expectations, refine outcome tracking, and address structural barriers that limit competitive integrated employment. They support organizations in translating philosophical commitment into measurable employment outcomes.

This partnership accelerates systems change, minimizes fragmentation across departments, and ensures that Employment First becomes embedded in leadership strategy, daily practice, and organizational accountability—not confined to a single program or team.

Organizations committed to advancing Employment First practices are invited to apply for a fully funded opportunity to participate in SHIFT's Employment First Education and Accreditation. This scholarship opportunity is designed to support organizations at every stage of their Employment First journey, from building foundational workforce competencies to achieving or maintaining Employment First Accreditation.

What the scholarship covers: Organizations may choose to apply for Employment First education, Employment First accreditation, or both. Eligible uses of scholarship funds include: • New Employment First certifications needed to meet accreditation requirements. • Certification renewals required to maintain accreditation eligibility and organizational certification thresholds.

• Initial Employment First Accreditation for organizations pursuing accreditation for the first time. • Re-accreditation for organizations seeking to maintain their accredited status and demonstrate continued commitment to Employment First principles and practices. Review the organizational scholarship details and questions in advance.

Prepare thoughtful, thorough narrative responses. Drafting your responses in Word or another document before submitting is strongly recommended. Submit this Scholarship Application by July 31, 2026.

When asked for Project Name, enter EF:TNDDAFY27 Applications should include thoughtful, well-developed responses to each question. In most cases, responses should be approximately 3–6 sentences per prompt. Applications that are incomplete or do not provide sufficient detail may not be considered for funding.

Applications will be reviewed jointly by SHIFT subject matter experts and representatives from Tennessee DDA. Scholarship funding is limited, and awards will be based on organizational readiness, demonstrated commitment to Employment First practices, alignment with project goals, and available funding.

This scholarship provides an opportunity for individual professionals to strengthen skills and earn or renew a SHIFT Employment First Certification at no cost. This application is intended for individual learners whose organizations are not applying for an organizational scholarship.

If your organization is applying for scholarship funding for education, accreditation, or re-accreditation, you should work through your organization's application process rather than submitting an individual application. What the scholarship covers: The scholarship may be used for: • Initial enrollment in a SHIFT Employment First certification program.

• Certification renewals for individuals whose certifications are approaching expiration. Review the available course options under the Online Education section above. Select the certification or renewal opportunity that best aligns with your professional goals.

Submit this Scholarship Application by July 31, 2026. When asked for Project Name, enter EF:TNDDAFY27 Applicants should provide thoughtful, well-developed responses to each question. In most cases, responses should be approximately 3–6 sentences per prompt.

Incomplete applications or responses that do not adequately address the questions may not be considered. Applications will be reviewed by SHIFT subject matter experts and Tennessee DDA representatives. Scholarship funding is limited, and awards will be based on the quality of the application, alignment with Employment First principles, and available funding.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your expertise, advance your organization’s impact, and help lead the future of Employment First in Tennessee! SHIFT Education & Projects Coordinator Questions about Employment First education and accreditation should be directed to Beth . beth.

dyer@techfirstshift. com TN State Director of Employment Innovation & Community Inclusion Questions about the scholarship program should be directed to Carrie. “My biggest takeaway from the Employment First certification with SHIFT was learning how important it is to prioritize competitive integrated employment and person centered support for individuals with I/DD.

The certification reinforced the value of focusing on each person’s strengths, goals, and independence while building stronger community and employer partnerships to create meaningful employment opportunities. ” -TN DDA Employment First Scholarship Recipient