Our software is not what it used to be. In a good way.

On an even larger scale, the I/DD space isn't what it used to be. And saying that makes me vey happy - because let's be honest, it wasn't a very good (or person-centered) space in the past.

We certainly still have a long way to go - but these days, everything is trending towards a less institutional approach that's more focused on the individuals being served. As it should be.

The assessment we helped to build for New York State's move to managed care is titled "It's All About Me" and it really and truly is all about the person being assessed. It aims to find out what their goals are, what makes them happy, what soap they prefer, and all kinds of other details that will help them live better, happier lives.

Our new care coordination software, MediSked Coordinate, was designed with the input of some of the leading minds in person-centered supports to ensure that care plans are being executed in a way that is focused entirely on the individuals being supported and their unique needs.

Our agency management platform (AMP), MediSked Connect is more person-centered than ever too. Every quarter we're releasing new features that prompt our users to be more aware of who they're working with, what their goals are, what makes them happy, and what's happening in their lives. 

Our end goal is to build world-class software that ensures that everyone supporting an individual is focused on that person - not the job or the paperwork.

The future isn't coming - it's here. And we're doing everything we can to lead the way in the technology space. Is your agency doing everything it can to be more person-centered in your approach? What changes have you made? How will you make sure you're ready when the Final Rule is fully implemented?

We're always thinking of ways to get better, do better, and be better - and it's helping us make some really important changes in the world. It's not hard to do what's right - it just takes an open mind and a little bit of effort and enthusiasm.

Won't you join us?

As Mad Man Don Draper once said, "If you don't like what's being said, change the conversation."

Two influential organizations in the Rochester, NY community are doing just that. And it's commendable. They've embarked on an education-based mission to make sure people with disabilities are seen, heard, and understood -  and they're prompting important conversations that are in many cases, overdue. 

Our public broadcasting station WXXI and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies have partnered on weeklong programming for a “Dialogue on Disability” initiative.

The talk radio and television shows are designed to encourage conversations about the abilities of people with physical and intellectual disabilities. The programming will run from Jan. 10 through 17. Some offerings I'm most looking forward to include:

I just attended a webinar on respectful language, presented by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. 

There was a lot of great discussion, but no clear answers on many of the topics addressed. 

One discussion that really stood out to me was the question of what to call the people you're providing supports to - particularly in documentation. 

We make the fields in MediSked Connect customizable - so that you can use the language your agency prefers. The most common designations we see are: