DSPs Using and Supporting Technology Use

Dana Peniska, showing off his new customized 3d printed cupholder. He accomplished his personal goal of being able to independently carry his pop, especially when going to the movies!

A quiet revolution began over a decade ago in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where the spirit of innovation transforms lives at Black Hills Works (BHW). At the heart of this change is the Technology and Innovation team led by their dynamic director, Tammy Murner. The team's mission is to transform the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) Murner notes. through the strategic use of technology. “It all started with a single vision to support peoples’ self-determination and independence through the use of technology and has grown into a comprehensive program,” explains Murner. “We began small, but our commitment to innovation led us to partnerships and grants that allow us to expand our reach.”

Group of four people inside the AT lab. The first person on the left, Lissa Marotz is standing, has white–gray shoulder-length hair, is wearing glasses, a short-sleeve tan, and brown- striped sweater, with matching brown pants and dark brown shoes. She is holding a thermal water cup with a long circular handle on the lid. The second person on the left is Alaina Griffee. She is standing, has blonde hair that is pulled back, glasses, a rose-colored long-sleeve shirt, jeans, and brown and cream shoes. She is holding an object. The third person is Tammy Murner. She is standing. She has white and gray hair, is wearing a v-neck top with various colors of blue and brown, tan pants, and shoes. She is holding an object. The person on the right is Jadan Arner. He is standing. He has short blond–brown hair. He is wearing glasses, a T-shirt with brown, gold, and black, jeans and white gym shoes. He is holding a thermal water cup with a long circular handle on the lid

The AT Team showing some of their work: From Left to Right: Lissa Marotz, Assistive Technology Technician; Alaina Griffee, Assistive Technology Technician and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant; Tammy Murner, Director of Innovation and Technology; Jaden Arner, School of Mines Student Intern

Dorthy Cut Grass is standing while holding onto her walker with both hands. She has dark hair that is pulled back, dark plastic frame glasses and a big smile. She is looking at and facing the camera. She is wearing a green “Beatles” t-shirt and black pants. Her walker has a customized 3D printed cupholder that was made to fit her new walker. The cupholder is gray and her name is on it in red.

Dorthy Cut Grass showing off her custom 3d printed cupholder and brand-new standing 4-wheeled walker. A custom vinyl decal of her name in her favorite color was added, making it more personalized.

Partnership with Engineering Program at South Dakota School of Mind and Technology

One of BHWs’ community partners is the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT), well-known for its excellent engineering program. They first collaborated by customizing a cup holder using a 3D printer to meet a specific person’s needs. They continued to consider the real-world needs of people receiving support as solvable problems for engineering students. “We start out by asking people what they need and then find creative ways to meet those needs,” Murner says. Together, they developed an internship program at BHW for a student from the South Dakota School of Mind and Technology. This agreement is mutually beneficial. The intern uses their engineering background to make a real difference in people’s lives, and the student gains real-world experience in applying their engineering skills.

The use of technology has created a new position called the Remote Support Professional (RSP). The RSP goes through a rigorous three-week training. The RSP learns the technical aspects of the position and the importance of building relationships with each person they support remotely. “They understand the needs of the people and that familiarity is key to effective remote care.” Murner notes.

David Green, a Remote Support Professional, provides care and support to people through a screen. He uses cameras and sensors while following personalized care plans.

Remote Support Professionals

Today, BHW employs a variety of technological supports for people in their daily lives. Remote support is available around the clock. The use of technology has created a new position called the Remote Support Professional (RSP). The RSP goes through a rigorous three-week training. The RSP learns the technical aspects of the position and the importance of building relationships with each person they support remotely. “They understand the needs of the people and that familiarity is key to effective remote care,” Murner notes. The Technology and Innovation team has “roving” staff who can respond quickly when needed, ensuring that help is always available.

BHW also offers real-time assistance through sophisticated tools like sensors and tablets that help monitor daily activities like cooking and grocery shopping. The system they use is Nex Gen. BHSW balances the dignity of risk and self-determination. “We don’t do surveillance,” Murner clarifies. “Instead, we use sensors to provide support in a way that respects privacy while ensuring safety. For example, if a sensor detects an issue, like a burner on the stove was left on, the Remote Support Professional can check in and see if everything is okay. The RSP also has access to review historical data to understand and respond appropriately to the issue.”

Man in a lake up to his chest. His chest is bare, is wearing a green bracelet on his left wrist and on his right, with a watch. He has dark brown/gray short hair with a beard and mustache. He is using a customized, made-to-fit floatation device made from PVC pipe and blue pool noodles.

Robert Lew uses a fully customized, made-to-fit floatation device made of PVC pipe and a pool noodle.

Changing Perceptions and Expectations

The transition to using technology and remote support has its challenges. There is a stigma that people with IDD need 24/7 support, and they need constant protection and supervision. We acknowledge that some people do, while not all people do. Tammy recalls an example involving a mother who was initially resistant to using technology to support her son. Over time she saw the positive impact on her son’s independence, and she has become a strong advocate.

“Changing perceptions is a significant hurdle,” Murner acknowledges. “We work closely with people and their families. We meet to discuss how technology can play a role in their lives. We address the concerns.”

With technology reducing the constant need for in-person supervision, DSPs can focus more on building relationships and enhancing support. Murner explains that the shift has also increased staff retention and reduced turnover.

Close-up of woman’s right hand on a yellow, blue and purple 3-D printed skull on the joystick of her powered wheelchair. She is wearing a grey top and jacket, with a multi-colored skirt. Her chair is back and purple.

This woman had difficulty with using the standard joystick on her powered wheelchair due to arthritis in her hand/fingers. She needed something larger and round in shape, so why not a cool rainbow skull!

Together, they explore the person’s needs and how they can be creatively met. For some people, technology reduces the need for constant DSP presence. Technology can help people learn and do things for themselves. However, human contact will always be vital to the person’s experience. Technology will never replace relationships, but it has profoundly affected the role of the DSP. With technology reducing the constant need for in-person supervision, DSPs can focus more on building relationships and enhancing support. Murner explains that the shift has also increased staff retention and reduced turnover.

She is excited about future possibilities. “Who knows what’s next? The potential is limitless,” she enthuses. “We’re supporting people to become more self-reliant, which frees up the DSP to provide even more personalized support.”

Murner and the team at BHW will continue to explore new technologies. They are a testament to how innovation and commitment to enhancing people’s lives can create transformative change. In the heart of it all, technology and compassion are forging new paths toward greater independence and self-determination for people.

Murner invites you to contact her with questions about Assistive Technology. She can be reached at: tmurner@bhws.com

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