Technical Assistance

At times, your agency may face complex issues that impact your ability to provide quality employment and community-based services. The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) and MA Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) can help your agency navigate these issues!

If your agency provides employment and/or community-based day supports (CBDS) services, you are eligible to receive free technical assistance.

What is Technical Assistance?

Technical Assistance, otherwise known as TA, is short-term, collaborative support for providers and agencies. We work with you to identify solutions to problems, facilitate change, and improve current practices.

What does TA look like?

TA is individualized for each provider.

We begin with a consultation between your agency and ICI staff members.

Within the first month, we work together to identify the areas of focus for the TA team. From there, the team develops a Technical Assistance Plan, which includes the TA goals, action items for team members, and associated timelines.

What are some examples of TA?

ICI has supported provider agencies across Massachusetts with needs like:

• getting CBDS programs active in their communities
• individualizing CBDS services with limited staff and resources
• equipping staff who have limited experience in the field
• revitalizing under-used employment programs
• restructuring staff to better meet the needs of clients

ICI is excited to provide these services at no cost to agencies. We want to learn about the work you do and how we can help.

If you are interested in learning about how TA can help your agency grow and better meet the needs of your clients, please email EmploymentFirstMA@umb.edu.

What are others saying about TA?

Here's what Grow Associates, located in Randolph, MA has to say about their recent TA experience with ICI:

"Our agency has gained quite a lot from working with ICI. We were provided feedback on a number of program-related questions, including updating paperwork, setting goals for individuals, working through caseloads, etc. Lara and Beth (ICI) have been instrumental in shifting Grow's Supported Employment program to best suit our clients, and to run smoothly and effectively. I would tell other agencies to think outside the box on how ICI can assist. ICI has helped Grow's Supported Employment program in a number of ways and were always willing to talk through any topic."