Enabling technology that gives people more control over their day.

Enabling technology helps a person do more of what matters with greater independence, access, and choice. Gray Matters Alliance plans it around the person, puts it in place, and supports it over time, for individuals, families, and provider organizations.

What is enabling technology?

Enabling technology is technology used to help a person do more of what matters to them with greater independence, access, choice, participation, or control. It may include assistive technology, environmental controls, smart-home technology, communication tools, wearables, reminders, safety technology, remote-support tools, and adaptive equipment.

The purpose is not simply to add more technology. The purpose is to remove a barrier.

How is it different from assistive technology?

The terms overlap. Assistive technology typically refers to a device, system, or service that helps a person perform a specific task or function. Enabling technology is often used more broadly. It can include assistive technology, plus connected systems, environmental controls, remote-support tools, smart-home technology, wearables, and caregiver tools that work together.

The most important question is not which label applies. It is whether the technology helps the person accomplish something that matters to them.

Remote supports is related but different. It is a Medicaid waiver service, offered in states such as Missouri and Oklahoma, in which support is delivered through technology from another location instead of staff being physically present. Learn more about remote support technology.

Examples of enabling technology

• Smart-home and environmental controls
• Voice-controlled technology
• Medication reminders and dispensers
• Wearable devices
• Communication tools
• Scheduling and routine supports
• Location-awareness technology
• Door, window, and safety sensors
• Adaptive controls
• Remote-support technology
• Caregiver communication tools
• Adaptive recreation technology

The right combination depends on the person. More technology is not always better, and sometimes one simple device is enough.

Wherever the person lives, works, and learns

• Independent homes
• Family homes
• Supported living
• Group homes
• Residential programs
• Community programs
• Employment settings
• Schools

Technology should be configured around the person, the environment, authorized caregivers, and the responsibilities of the organization or support team.

Enabling technology should support people, not replace them

Enabling technology across a program

Provider organizations, residential programs, aging services, schools, and other programs may use enabling technology across many people and locations. Each person’s technology and access should still reflect their own needs, permissions, goals, and support plan.

GMA works alongside an organization’s existing staff. We are not a call center, and the organization remains responsible for its own staffing, supervision, policies, and response operations. Learn more about assistive technology for organizations.

How GMA puts enabling technology in place

1. Start with the person. What they want to do, what is difficult today, what already works, and who provides support.
2. Configure and customize. Accessibility settings, notifications, routines, interfaces, caregiver access, device integrations, and hardware placement.
3. Train everyone involved. The person and, where appropriate, family, caregivers, and staff.
4. Support and revisit. Follow-up and adjustments as needs and routines change.

Read more about configuring support around the person.

Is enabling technology covered?

It may be. Some Medicaid waiver programs and other funding sources include services or equipment that may fall under enabling technology, assistive technology, specialized medical equipment, remote supports, environmental modifications, or related categories. Coverage, terminology, documentation, authorization requirements, and eligibility vary by state and program. In Oklahoma, Gray Matters Alliance is listed on the Oklahoma Human Services Remote Support and Enabling Technology provider page.

Funding, eligibility, approved services, and geographic availability vary by program, payer, state, and individual circumstances. GMA can help you understand possible pathways, but cannot guarantee coverage or approval.

Common questions

Does enabling technology require an assessment?

That depends on the technology, funding source, service, and the person’s needs. Some equipment or programs require an evaluation, professional recommendation, justification, or authorization. Even when a formal assessment is not required, understanding the person’s goals, environment, and support needs comes first.

Can it work with equipment we already have?

Often, yes. GMA looks at what the person already uses, what works well, and what creates barriers, then considers whether new technology can complement the current setup. You do not need to replace everything.

What happens if the person’s needs change?

The technology can be reevaluated. Needs may change because of health, aging, recovery, environment, caregiver availability, living arrangements, or personal preference, and a person-centered plan should evolve with the person.

Related resources

• Assistive technology
• Remote support technology
• The GMA MyCompass System
• How GMA works
• Enabling technology FAQ
• Who we help

Start with what the person wants to do.

You don’t need to know the name of a device. Tell us what’s difficult today and what a better day would look like, and we’ll explore what could make that possible.

Prefer email? info@graymattersalliance.com