Tölvumál - 01.10.2012, Page 41

Tölvumál - 01.10.2012, Page 41
41 information in these photos, such as time or location, can also be useful. Pictures can also be used to explain complex sequences or to document and communicate ones day. Most smartphones have integrated GPS, which can be of great use for people with difficulties to orientate themselves in their environment. Maps can provide an overview, directions can be given and one can get help to compare street views and get localization. This can help people to dare to be more spontaneous and independent, and if something goes wrong the possibility to send GPS coordinates via a text message can be of great help. A calculator can be used if mental arithmetic is problematic or stressful. In a shop, one can calculate discounts and final sums in forehand to avoid surprises or manage a budget. There are also other possibilities of budget managing that can be installed in smart phones, from simple ones to more advanced and even banking. Many with cognitive impairments get stressed in situations with many people or other stimuli. These can be shielded off, using functions in the smartphone such as listening to music or audio books, playing games or surfing the internet. These functions can also be used to manage stress in other situations and to relax or unwind. Since so many functions can be integrated in a phone, one can have them there just in case, or to use for an area that is not so problematic. This can save physical and mental resources that can be used for an area that is more problematic or that the person values more. There are countless other applications and uses that can be downloaded to a smartphone, to manage bus travel, to play games, to navigate, remember or to administer social networks. Or just for the pure fun of it. One’s imagination is the limit, and with proper help and the willingness to try a smartphone can be of immense help to people with cognitive impairments. Yet, technology must integrate seamlessly into the user’s life and environment in order to be useful. It does not eliminate the need for other people. Technology should never be used to “normalize” a person, or to help the environment manage the person, but to help the person manage its own life and to be the best version of oneself possible. If used properly it can diminish differences and augment resources, but it is never the whole solution. Technology is something we encounter everywhere in today’s society, something which is ubiquitous in our everyday lives and something we need to relate to when we want to make our lives work. Technology is a part of the world we have to deal with, but also a part of all the tools we have at our disposal when dealing with that world. Technology is something we encounter everywhere in today’s society, something which is ubiquitous in our everyday lives and something we need to relate to when we want to make our lives work. Technology should never be used to “normalize” a person, or to help the environment manage the person, but to help the person manage its own life and to be the best version of oneself possible.

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Tölvumál

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