Tölvumál - 01.10.2012, Page 40

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People with cognitive impairments are often described as “people
with special needs”. Yet, it is not the needs that are special, but
the ways and means those needs can be fulfilled. Many of these
needs can be met by consumer technology available today,
though this technology may not be the answer for everyone and
may never completely remove the need for specialized solutions
and customized assistive technology.
The advantages of using consumer technology are many, and only
a few of them will be mentioned here. Off–the-shelf consumer
technology is often less expensive than specialized assistive
technology and the route from idea to implementation and
distribution can be substantially shortened, which can entail
products that are more modern and up to date. To be seen using
consumer technology can be less stigmatizing than having a
specialized tool; it draws less attention to the tool itself and blends
better into the person’s environment which for some people can be
a key factor to the willingness of use. Another advantage is that
when using consumer technology one can often find competent
users in ones surroundings, which can provide support. In some
cases the user can themselves become such competent users and
provide support to others, something that can become an important
social capital and provide a sense of pride and usefulness.
One example of such consumer technology is the advanced cell
phones available today, the so called smartphones. In a
smartphone you can have many functions integrated in one tool,
and cross-linking between these functions is usually possible. This
provides a tool that is easy to use, easy to bring with you at all
times and easy to integrate with other systems, such as one’s
computer or online services.
The following are examples of how smartphone can prove useful:
The basic phone function with the ability to reach people and be
reachable at all times is important as it can provide both and real
and perceived security, thereby augmenting the courage to act on
one’s own. One can subsequently get help to manage a complex
or problematic situation. Relatives or staff can call and remind
about everyday activities or specific events when needed. The
phone book can be linked to other information such as maps and
pictures for easy access to additional help. Text messages can be
extra helpful for some, since it offers a form of short, concise, and
clear communication. One is able to go back later and control
what is said without having to contact a person again which can
be extra useful for instructions and directions. The possibility to
see what is said when, and what is agreed upon can minimize the
risk of conflicts. It can also be an excellent tool for managing one’s
social relations without having to consider all the social fuzziness
that is so common in human interaction but can be very hard for
some and which is excusable to leave out in a format with a limited
number of characters at one’s disposal.
To aid memory one can use alarms, either standalone alarms or in
connection with a calendar. This can be done either with only a
reminding sound, or in combination with text, pictures or other
information. This can compensate for a lack of sense of time,
counteract problems with initiating or completing tasks and
activities, and provide some structure and boundaries. The
calendar can be used with alarms and reminders or without using
those features. Using the calendar one gains an overview with the
possibility of graphic representation of time, and the possibility to
use color coding or different additional information such as linked
addresses or phone numbers. With a integrated calendar function
it is possible to register meetings and activities directly when one
decides upon them and it is easy to add additional information,
such as instructions or things to remember. It is easy to avoid
overlapped planning and the possibility to have an overview for
day, week or month can facilitate the managing of physical or
mental recourses that may be limited.
Sometimes one wants to count time elapsed rather than be
reminded a certain time. This is often the case during cooking,
household management, naps, and during activities where it is
easy to lose sense of time. Examples of this are playing, watching
TV or using a computer. In these cases, a timer that counts down
from a set time might be a better solution than an alarm or
reminder in a calendar.
To-do-lists can be helpful to keep structure, manage time and
resources and aid memory. These can be of different sorts, simple
or advanced. They can be for one-time-use, ticking of tasks as
they are completed, or reusable lists to manage complex re-
occurring activities.
To aid memory, text, such as notes or documents can be used,
making a note of what is to be done and how it is to be done. They
can be created on the device or produced elsewhere or by others
and transferred onto the device. The possibility to use a voice-
recorder can be used as a memory aid, to capture fleeting
thoughts and preserve communication, explanations or
instructions. It can be used both to make recordings for oneself
and to record meetings, instructions and suchlike. Pictures can be
used in much the same way to support memory. One can take
pictures of places or people to aid memory, and the additional
ConsumeR teCHnology
as aid FoR people witH
Cognitive impaiRments
Pernilla Hallberg, expert at Santa Anna IT Research Institute, Sweden
In a smartphone you can have many functions integrated in one tool, and
cross-linking between these functions is usually possible.