Enabling Technology and current healthcare challenges
Across the country, IDD service providers are navigating rising support needs, workforce shortages, and the pressure to deliver consistent, data‑driven care. At the same time, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve tools that help them build independence, regulate emotions, communicate effectively, and succeed in employment.
CreateAbility’s product suite was built to meet these challenges head‑on.
By delivering accessible, intuitive enabling technology, CreateAbility empowers individuals, supports DSPs, and gives providers the data they need to deliver high‑quality care — all while reducing system‑wide costs.
This article explores one of the most common challenges in IDD services — executive functioning — and how MeMinder is transforming outcomes at both the individual and agency level.
Challenge #1: Executive Functioning, Sequencing, and Daily Independence
For many people with IDD, daily tasks can feel overwhelming. Executive functioning differences make it difficult to:
- Initiate tasks
- Remember steps
- Sequence activities in the correct order
- Stay focused without repeated reminders
- Complete tasks consistently and independently
These challenges affect everything from morning routines and household chores to job tasks and community participation. Without the right supports, individuals often become frustrated, DSPs become stretched thin, and providers struggle to deliver consistent care.
Solution: MeMinder® and MeMinder Watch — Visual Task Prompting That Builds Independence
MeMinder and the MeMinder Watch were designed specifically to support individuals who benefit from structure, visual cues, and step‑by‑step guidance.
How MeMinder Helps
- Provides clear, visual, sequential prompts
- Breaks tasks into manageable steps
- Reduces forgotten steps and task abandonment
- Supports ADLs, IADLs, chores, and workplace tasks
- Reinforces skill acquisition through repetition and consistency
- Reduces reliance on 1:1 staff prompting
- Builds confidence and long‑term independence
Instead of waiting for a DSP to redirect or re‑explain a task, individuals can follow prompts at their own pace — promoting autonomy and reducing frustration.
Real‑World Impact: Stacy’s Journey at Sunrise Community Center of Tennessee
The Sunrise Community Center of Tennessee offers a powerful example of how MeMinder transforms both individual lives and agency‑wide operations.
Stacy, a young woman with an intellectual disability, had the ability to complete daily tasks — but struggled with executive functioning challenges that caused frustration and “decision paralysis.” She wanted more independence, but constant verbal prompting wasn’t working for her or the staff supporting her.
When Sunrise implemented MeMinder as part of their enabling technology program, everything changed.
Stacy’s Outcomes
- 1,500+ tasks completed since implementation
- Significant increase in independence and confidence
- Reduced frustration and improved emotional regulation
- Ability to complete routines without constant staff intervention
Stacy now uses MeMinder to guide her through daily responsibilities at her own pace — a shift that has empowered her and reduced the stress associated with task initiation and sequencing.
Agency‑Wide Outcomes
Sunrise didn’t just see individual progress — they saw measurable operational savings.
- 300+ staff hours saved through reduced prompting and supervision needs
- More consistent care across shifts
- Reduced DSP burnout
- Better alignment with enabling technology funding models
Program Coordinator Michael Davidson and his team embraced MeMinder fully, integrating it into daily routines across their program. Their success demonstrates what’s possible when technology, training, and staff buy‑in come together.
Who Benefits
Individuals
Gain independence, confidence, and the ability to complete tasks without constant supervision.
DSPs
Spend less time on repetitive prompting and more time on meaningful support, relationship‑building, and higher‑level care.
Providers
Experience fewer staffing bottlenecks, more consistent service delivery, and improved outcomes across programs.
MCOs
See reduced service hours, improved member outcomes, and better alignment with value‑based care models.
Outcomes That Matter
Organizations using MeMinder consistently report:
- Higher levels of independence
- Fewer required service hours
- More consistent care across shifts
- Reduced DSP burnout
- Improved skill acquisition
- Better documentation and data for care planning
When individuals can complete tasks independently, everyone wins — the person, the staff, the provider, and the system as a whole.
The Bigger Picture
Stacy’s story is just one example of how CreateAbility’s enabling technology addresses the most pressing challenges in IDD services. From emotional regulation and communication to employment readiness and workforce support, each tool is designed to improve outcomes while reducing costs.
In a system stretched thin, technology isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline.
Sources:
Supporting Independence with MeMinder: Stacy’s Journey at Sunrise Community Center of Tennessee