KenCrest Assistive Technology Specialist Tyler MacReady is honored as a Dustin A. Wright Tech First Champion.
By Sydney Kerelo
In 2022, Dustin A. Wright, an influential leader in the human service industry, unexpectedly passed away. Wright was the founder of Disability Cocoon—a disability technology organization that brings the community together—and a pioneer in the Technology First movement. He was a proud leader who was passionate about finding and raising awareness of technological resources to support community independence.
After Wright passed away, Tech First Shift created the Dustin A. Wright Tech First Champion Award to memorialize his accomplishments. He valued being of service to those in the long-term support services world. He ensured that individuals serving as supports could access training to learn safe and effective ways to implement technology.
Each year, five Direct Support Professionals are honored with the Dustin A. Wright Tech First Champion Award for their unwavering commitment to implementing a Technology First approach to service. KenCrest’s Assistive Technology Specialist, Tyler MacReady, was awarded this honor this year.
Karen Latimer, the Director of Enabling Technology nominated MacReady for this award and wrote the following:
“Tyler isn’t just a proponent of technology; he’s a passionate advocate for its ability to empower individuals and foster independence. Tyler understands the inherent balance between risk and opportunity when introducing enabling technology. He prioritizes identifying solutions that maximize independence and self-esteem while acknowledging and mitigating potential risks. Tyler consistently seeks solutions that prioritize the independence of the individuals he serves. He doesn’t shy away from innovative approaches that push boundaries and empower individuals to do more for themselves. In essence, Tyler doesn’t just provide technology; he empowers individuals to utilize it for increased independence. His focus on balancing risk with opportunity ensures individuals gain a sense of dignity and self-worth through their newfound autonomy.”
According to Tech First Shift, to be a recipient of this award, one has to embody what it means to put technology into action by pursuing education and training to enhance one’s knowledge of and skill with enabling technology, advocating for technology adoption and implementation so that people can achieve their goals; empowering individuals to embrace technology integration into daily routines and activities; and supporting Technology First best practices within the organization to build momentum and sustain cultural transformation.
MacReady is the perfect example of someone who truly embodies what it means to put technology into action. Every day, Monday through Friday, he consistently empowers individuals to embrace technology integration into daily routines at home or working in the community.
He saw the incredible work that Dustin Wright accomplished during his time. According to MacReady, Dustin was a massive point of exposure for him in understanding assistive technology.
“I’m nominated for the Dustin Wright award, and that significance is not lost on me,” says MacReady. “It feels nice to get recognized for an award and for the things that I have done, but for me, it just reminds me of all the things we still need to do. It’s important to be recognized, to look back and say, ‘Oh man, we have come a long way,’ and acknowledge that because it can get overwhelming if we always think about the spinning wheel and the never-ending work.”
Check out Tyler MacReady and the other candidates for the Dustin A. Wright Tech First Champion Award at Tech First Shift.