Tricia Zerger, Senior Director, Human Services Strategy
In Partnership with
Augmented intelligence (AI) is transforming how intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) organizations operate. From how they provide support, address challenges like staff shortages, streamline workflows and empower professionals, caregivers and the individuals supported—it is playing a growing role. At the I/DD Leadership Summit, Netsmart experts shared insights into how AI tools are already making an impact. Here are five key takeaways from the session on AI’s benefits in advancing care.
1. Alleviating Documentation Burdens
Clinical documentation has long been a pain point for I/DD professionals, but AI is stepping in to change that:
Streamlined Data Capture: Tools like Bells AI enable faster and more accurate documentation by integrating voice-to-text capabilities, optical character recognition (OCR), and ambient listening to summarize sessions. These features save direct support professionals hours of manual work while ensuring high-quality records.
Language Support: With support for 93+ languages, providers can document in their native language, reducing barriers for non-native English speakers while maintaining clinical accuracy.
By reducing documentation time, providers can focus more on delivering support rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
2. Driving Better Outcomes with Quality Data
AI doesn’t just capture data—it enhances its usefulness:
Improved Data Visibility: AI tools help organizations analyze and utilize the vast amounts of data collected in electronic health records (EHRs). This provides actionable insights, enabling more personalized care plans and better decision-making.
Clinical Coaching in Real-Time: AI assists staff by offering real-time feedback, helping them use appropriate clinical language and maintain compliance.
The result is not only better documentation but also enhanced support and consistency across teams.
3. Empowering Staff with AI
AI tools are designed to work as a partner, not a replacement for people.
Enhancement, Not Replacement: AI can’t and won’t replace providers. When you make AI meaningful, you’re not just creating efficiency, you’re transforming your organization. You enable what we call the AI Trifecta: empower staff, optimize processes, and simplify reimbursement. These improvements benefit clinical, financial and operational staff, plus impact caregivers and the individuals you support.
Skill Development: AI provides training and coaching to caregivers, community members and close family in proximity to care, helping them learn best practices and apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
Improved Collaboration: Caregivers can access progress reports, behavior support plans and other resources through intuitive platforms, fostering stronger partnerships between families and professionals. These resources are essential for ensuring that those living with I/DD receive the necessary amount of attention from caregivers who, without such tools, might be preoccupied with filing claims or other administrative labor.
This empowerment builds trust and ensures that support is collaborative and holistic.
4. Adapting to Diverse Needs and Settings
Flexibility is key in I/DD care, and AI tools are rising to the challenge:
Device-Agnostic Design: AI platforms work seamlessly across phones, tablets, laptops and desktops, ensuring that staff and caregivers can document and access information wherever they are.
Integrated Workflows: Unlike standalone tools, our AI solutions are deeply integrated and embedded into existing platforms, minimizing disruptions and avoiding the need for redundant workflows.
This adaptability ensures that AI can meet the unique needs for I/DD organizations no matter where support is offered, whether onsite, in home and community-based services, schools—you name it.
5. Building Confidence in AI Adoption
While some may still believe that Introducing AI into workflows is intimidating, the right approach can make all the difference:
Onboarding Strategies: Netsmart recommends treating AI adoption like onboarding a new team member. Organizations can designate “super users” to champion the technology and mentor others, creating a culture of excitement towards change management rather than resistance.
Trustworthy Partnerships: With rapid advancements in AI, choosing a reliable partner is essential. Netsmart ensures that its solutions are compliant, user-friendly, continually updated to meet the evolving needs of the industry, and platform agnostic—even if you aren’t using a Netsmart EHR.
By fostering confidence and providing robust support, organizations can unlock the full potential of AI.
The Future of AI in I/DD Care
AI is not just a tool—it’s a transformative force reshaping how professionals and caregivers provide support. From simplifying documentation to empowering collaboration, the benefits are clear. As Chris Yakscoe, GM AI at Netsmart, noted during the summit, “AI isn’t here to replace anyone—it’s here to streamline workflows and provide incredible resources.”
The question is no longer whether to adopt AI but rather how to integrate it strategically. With the right tools and partners, I/DD organizations can enhance care delivery, reduce burnout and focus on what truly matters: providing support so individuals can achieve their goals and live a fulfilled life with all the social, vocational and educational potential life has to offer.
Tricia Zerger is Senior Director of Human Services Strategy at Netsmart.
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