VCU RRTC · VCU ‐RRTC Tony Gentry, PhD, OTR/L Assist Prof, Dept. of OT Dir., ... • Nintendo’s...
Transcript of VCU RRTC · VCU ‐RRTC Tony Gentry, PhD, OTR/L Assist Prof, Dept. of OT Dir., ... • Nintendo’s...
1
Assistive Technology for Cognition:Practical Applications in the World of Work
VCU ‐ RRTC
Tony Gentry, PhD, OTR/L
Assist Prof, Dept. of OT
Dir., AT for Cognition Lab
VCU, Richmond, VA
(804) 828‐2219
Assistive Technology for Cognition Laboratory
• Research
• Development
• Service
• Training
• VCU Dept. of OT
Prevalence
• 20 million Americans (7%) are afflicted with cognitive disability
• Yearly cost for support, care and lost productivity: $140 billion (2001)
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Emerged and developed alongside personal computing
Remedial vs. Compensatory Approaches
1980s
• Dawn of Cognitive Rehabilitation
P l• Personal computers
2
Remedial Approaches
• Brain‐Train products
• Nintendo’s “Brain Age” game for DSAge game for DS
• “Memory Works” simulation and training games
1990s• Calls for ecologically valid research
1990s
D kt• Desktop computers as reminder systems & task‐sequencing coaches
2000s
• Handheld compensatory solutions
• Distributed‐cognition experiments
Functional Cognition
• Memory for names / faces, locales
• Task Sequencing
• Multi‐tasking
• Dealing with Distractions
• Remembering to do things (medications, appts)
Functional Cognition
• Adapting to transitions & changes in routines
• Dealing with frustration
• Impulsivity
3
Low-Tech Cognitive Aids Low-Tech Cognitive Aids
Low-Tech Cognitive Aids Ways PDAs Work for Peoplewith Cognitive Impairment
• Planning and organization
• Task sequencing
Ways PDAs Work for Peoplewith Cognitive Impairment
• Way‐finding (GPS)
h l• Behavioral cueing
Ways PDAs Work for Peoplewith Cognitive Impairment
• Behavioral cueing
• Wireless 2‐way communicationcommunication and transfer of information
4
Gilbertson at Work
• Wake‐up, medication, cooking and catch‐the‐bus reminder alarms
• Contact information
• To Do list for daily work tasks
• Pictorial directions to campus sites
• 50 participants
• Acquired Brain Injury or
DRS-CNI-VCU Project
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Can training in the use of a PDA improve functional performance in everyday tasks?
Recapping Noah’s Uses
• Reminder alarms linked to calendar
• Periodic vibrating alarm during tests
• IM with teachers (fellow students)
• Transfers homework to PDA from PC
Recapping Noah’s Uses
• Beams assignments to/from instructor
• Game playing teaches adaptive strategies
• Photo album as emotional aid
• Uses photos/memos to assist at grocery job
Qualitative Themes
• Gratitude: At last something helped me!
• Medication Management: I feel better!
• Organization: I can keep track of my day, regained control over my life.
• Self‐efficacy: Being able to do more makes me want to do more.
5
Initial Lessons I Learned• You can’t throw these thingsat people and run
• You have to provide long‐term follow‐along
• People with some pc experience adopt PDAs faster
• The “nag factor” is huge
Qualitative Support
• “The most important thing ishaving someone understand what I was going through and then find a solution for it.”d a so ut o o t
• “Thank you so much for giving me back my memory, even if it is now located in a somewhat different place!”
Organization
BeforeBefore
AfterAfter
The Devices
• PDAs
• PDA watches• PDA watches
• Pill‐box reminders
• Low‐end laptops
• Cell phones
• Pagers
Handheld Computers
6
Handheld Computers Palm PDAs
• Zire series
• Higher end T series and Life Drive with wi‐fi
• Treo/Centrino cellphones
• Alphasmart Dana laptop
Basic Palm Functions
• Calendar• Note Pad • To Do List
– All with reminder alarms• Address listAddress list• Memo• Backup to PC or Mac• Photo album• Audio playback/record• Wireless functions
MS Mobile/Pocket PC Devices
• Dell Axim series
• HP iPAQ series
• Many Smart cell phones
Key Pocket PC functions
• Same as Palm
• Media Player
• Native MS Office
• All have audio‐note function
• Nearly all add‐on disability software is written for Pocket PC
Timex Data Link Watch
• Type data on pc
• Wear on wrist
• Cheap ($US50 to 100)
• Small readout
7
Camera & Video
• Name/Face Recognition• Where did I park?• Where did I park?• Directional Prompts• Behavioral Cues• Step-by-step therapy
routines• Photo Album
Stand‐alone GPS
• Pre‐loaded maps
• 2nd generation antenna sometimes works indoors
• Now map pedestrian routes
• Mp3 capable
Good Smart Phone Choices
• Apple iPhonepp
• Palm Treo 700p
• Palm Centro
Hearing Impaired
• RIM Blackberry
• Handspring Treo
• Other wireless paging devices
Vision‐Impaired
• Parrot Voice‐Mate OrganizerOrganizer
• $350
• Voice recognition & voice output
8
PEAT System
• Brainaid.com
• Simplified handheld software
D il ti it “ i t ”• Daily activity “scripts”
• Visual/audible cues
• Downloadable to Pocket PC
• Can change plans as needed
• Discovery Desktop
• Schedule Assistant
• Pocket Coach
• Visual Assistant
• Pocket Compass
• Task Builder
Service Provider’s Role
• Assess client needs, tasks & environment
• Learn the devicesLearn the devices
• Determine best device for client
• Train client & caregiver
Service Provider’s Role
• Include in daily organization routine
• Follow-up consultsFollow up consults
• Gradually diminish supports
Resources• www.vcu.edu/partnership/pda
– Consortium for Handheld Technology site, VCU
• www.biausa.orgb au a o g– Complete listing of electronic cognitive aids
• www.colemaninstitute.org– Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities,
University of Colorado