Tölvumál - 01.10.2012, Page 40

Tölvumál - 01.10.2012, Page 40
40 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.

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