Presenter: Margaret Cisco, AT SpecialistAssistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

www.atlaak.org

AT Tools for Memory Support

1. Know what AT is and why to consider AT to support memory.

2. Be able to identify three AT devices or products for memory support.

3. Be aware of three resources for AT related to memory.

General Objectives

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1. About ATLA and Assistive Technology (AT)

2. Memory and Causes of memory losses

3. Memory in daily life

4. Matching AT to the person and the needs

5. Low to high tech AT tools for memory support

6. Resources

7. Reminders

Agenda

Assistive Technology of Alaska

Assistive Tech Act Project

Information - AT devices, services, funding

Demonstration centers

Training activities

Loan, Re-use, and Recycle programs

Referrals for service or funding

Funding support (website)Assistive Technology of Alaska

http://www.ataporg.org

What is Assistive Technology?What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

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(off the shelf, modified, or customized)

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)?

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AT Can Support

• Activities that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

• Completing tasks with increased effectiveness, or safety.

• Learning, re-learning or maintaining skills.

Memory

• Group of systems• Different areas of the

brain• Play different roles in

creating, storing, recalling

• Work together to provide a cohesive thought

Accuracy and Efficiency in the Real WorldAssistive Technology of Alaska

Memory – Information Flow

• Sensory

• Short Term (working memory)

• Long Term

– Facts

• Semantic (language)

• Episodic (events)

– Procedures

Memory Components

• Planning– Awareness of deficit

– Self-monitoring

– Follow-through

– Flexibility of thinking

• Attention and Concentration

• Executive Functions– Planning

– Initiation

– Execution

– Time management

People with Memory Loss - a Diverse GroupCauses of Memory Losses

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• Aging• Alcohol Use• Alzheimer's• Brain Tumors• Degenerative

Neurological Diseases

• Dementia

• Drugs/Interactions• Head Injury• Infection• Psychological Causes• Seizures• Stroke• Therapeutic

Interventions

Memory in Daily Living

What we want to say

InformationSequences

What to take Where to find items

What someone

said

Memory in Daily Living

Shopping needs Scheduled events

Destinations and how to get there

Steps forFamiliar activities

Memory in Daily Living

Past events Critical routines

Turning off appliances

Something on the stove

When Choosing AT

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SETT framework

How are daily living and preferred activities affected?

When does the memory system fail?

How does memory loss affect personal safety?

What other conditions need to be considered?

Personal preferences?

How easy is the AT to use?

Considering ATQuestions to Consider

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Communication

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Communication Books

Voice Output Devices

Text for Communication

Communication

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LingraphicaCIRCA -- Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid

Talking Photo Album

Listening

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Recording Tools

simplenoteSoundNote

Phone Numbers

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Voice Dialing Picture Dialing

Standard PhoneStandard Phone

Finders & Reminders

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Door Hanger

Car ReminderWall Mounts

Finder Alarms

Shopping Lists

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Voice Record, Sort & Print Out

Apps that record text or speech, keep track, sort and verbally remind by actual physical location.

Examples: Scheduled Events

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PDAs and Smart PhonesCalendars, Planners

Color Coding

Examples: Task Sequences

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Voice Reminders,Timers, Alarms

Picture Prompts

Getting to Destinations

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Bike My Way iPhone App

Dedicated GPS Systems and Smart Phones

Nav4All Droid app

Personal Pocket GPS

Locator

Stoves and Appliances

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Automatic Fire Suppression

Automatic Stove/OvenControl

Timers and Alarms

Automatic ElectricShut Off

Medication

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Medication Reminder Services

Pill Organizers Reminders& Dispensers

Cell Phone Reminder & Logging Apps

Blister Packs

Water Issues

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Auto Flushers

Overflow Plug

MeteredFlow

Automatic Off/On

Scald Protection

• People want to be able to communicate

• People want to be able to do what they once did

• People want to make their own choices– Who we associate with– Where we live– What we do– How we do it

Why AT in the Senior Years?Why AT Tools Are Important

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AT Resources in Alaska

• Alaska Center for Blind and Visually Impaired• AK Trading Post (www.aktradingpost.org)• ATLA• Independent Living Centers

– Loan Closets, Demo Centers, EDHI• One Stop Job Centers• Internet

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• CEU address: http://www.aacinstitute.org

• Follow-up survey

• Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference August 3-5, 2011– Preconference ATACP certificate

program August 1-2,2011

Reminders!

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