assistive technology for memory and organization
DESCRIPTION
Consumers with ADD, LD, TBI, autism, and other disabilities can have difficulty with memory, staying focused, and keeping themselves organized. Come learn how low-tech and high-tech strategies can help them to get things done. You will learn strategies for successful use of organizational tools from day planners to personal digital assistants (PDA’s). We will introduce you to a variety of mid-tech tools that act as reminders and prompts, and help consumers to stay focused. Group activities will help you apply what you’ve learned to your own clients.TRANSCRIPT
Technology for Memory and Organization
Fred Tchang, ATPDirector, Assistive Technology Services
Advancing Opportunities
• Mobile AT Service
• All disabilities
• Technology Lending Center
Why Focus on Memory and Organization?
• Clear link to difficulty at work and performing activities of daily living
• People with these difficulties will require more support from others
See it! Testimonial
Workshop Goals:
1. Identify organizational tasks affected by impaired cognition
2. Relate examples of accommodations for organization
3. Be able to access resources re: accommodations for organization
Tips! Review Handout
Feature Match
Individual• Needs• Abilities• Expectations
Technology• Interface /
Input• Processing• Output
The SETT Framework
S = SkillsE = EnvironmentT = TasksT = Tools
Adapted from Joy Zabala, www.joyzabala.com
Skills of the Individual Motor
Cognition/Memory/ Attitude
Language/Processing
Sensory
Difficulty with organization, memory ? not paying attention, not
motivated ?
• Or, symptoms of a disability that affects Executive Function
• includes LD, autism, ADHD, TBI
Skills of the Individual: Executive Function
EF: Typical Difficulties
• Developing plans and executing them – Consumer is overwhelmed, does not look
at the big picture
• Organizing self and activities– papers are scattered
• Resist distractions and control attention – Consumer gets off-track, no sense of time
Environments
Community Work
Recreation Education
Home
Tasks
Keeping Appointments
Remembering To Do Tasks
Staying Focused on Task at Hand
Following Steps in a Process
Tools
AT Consideration
• Discuss cases
• Consideration Guide
– Voc. Goal
– Strength / Difficulties
– Tasks
• Choose spokesperson
Apply it! In Groups
All Organizational Tasks
Keep in mind the big picture:
•Make a Commitment
•Develop Routines
•Get Needed Support
Tools
All Organizational Tasks
•Color Coding
•Color folders / tabs / post-its
•A place for everything
•Touch papers only once
•Shred it! (Clear Off That Desk article)
Tools for Keeping Papers
•Day Planner, Desk Calendar
•VoiceCue
•Timex Datalink
•Computer / PDA
Appointment Tools
See it! Testimonial
Tips! Gee Whiz–Time Management
Try it! Palm PDA
•To Do lists
•Day Planner, Desk Calendar To Do lists
•Digital recorder
•Computer / PDA (Outlook demo)
To Do ToolsTips! Plain and Simple To Do List
•Watchminder
• Invisible Clock
•Livescribe pen
•PEAT software on PDA (software demo)
Tools for Staying Focused
•Written or picture instructions
•StepPad or recorded instructions
•Ablelink software on PDA (Ablelink demo)
Tools for Following Steps
AT Consideration
• Group activity
– Revisit your case from earlier
– Brainstorm accommodation solutions
Questions??
Comments??
www.AssistiveTechnologyCenter.org