Transcript Assistive Technology for Older Adults

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Mindy Fletcher, Caitlin Anghilante, Anna Cliff
March 6, 2013
The mission of the Occupational Therapy
department at CSU is to optimize human
performance and participation in everyday
occupations and contexts across the lifespan.
OT Curriculum Design: http://ot.chhs.colostate.edu/students/curriculum-design.aspx
A broad range of devices, services, strategies
and practices that aid in assisting individuals
with disabilities.
 An AT device is any item, piece of equipment,
or product system that is used to increase,
maintain or improve functional capabilities of
individuals with disabilities.
-Cook & Hussey
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o ATRC: Assistive Technology Resource Center
• Provides assistive technology (AT) for students
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Reading
Note-taking
Study Skills
Test-taking
Writing
• For example:
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Text-to-speech software
Voice recognition
Low-vision compensation
Digital textbooks
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How do Adults 65 and over use technology?
o Internet: ½ use internet
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53% go online just for email
33% use facebook or social media & 18% daily
86% of internet users access email & 48% daily
Only 39% have broadband at home
o Gadgets
• 69% have mobile phone
• 11% tablets
• 8% e-readers
o Computers
• 33% own laptops
Source: Pew Internet
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Conditions associated with aging:
o Low-Vision
o Decreased Hearing
o Memory & Cognitive Loss
o Physical Access
Presentation Plan:
1. Explore AT that is useful for aging populations
2. Discuss how to incorporate technology at the Senior Center
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AT for Older Adults
 Screen
magnification
software
 Video magnification
 Portable Magnifiers
(high tech and low tech)
 Labels for keyboards
 Large or oversized
monitors or displays
AT for Older Adults
 FM
Systems: Portable, wireless listening system for
classroom/larger room use. Speaker wears a
compact transmitter and microphone. Listener uses
a portable receiver with earphones.
 Captioning of video
 Headphones
OT for Older Adults
 Calendar
 Friendly
& Reminder Software
Interface Layout
VS.
 Web-based
software tools/games that help
people with cognitive training and memory
 Option to train while “on the go” with
portable devices such as smartphones,
iPhones, or iPads.
Demo: Color match, Speed Brain (apps on
ipad)
http://www.lumosity.com/
AT for Older Adults
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Principles for improved posture
o Adapted Keyboards
o Adapted Mice
o Wrist pads
o Adjustable height tables
o Document holders
o Adjustable and oversized Monitors
o Mobile devices/touch screens
o Chairs
Word completion and work prediction
software
 Dictation software
 Apps (for tablets and phones)
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What kinds of technology could be
incorporated at the Senior Center?
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 Mac
vs. PC
o What are users used to?
o Software & device compatibility
o Price & Tech support
 Laptop
vs. Desktop
o Work-station set-up
o Ergonomic concerns
o Purpose of computers?
 Printing,
Scanning & Faxing
o What services would you like to provide?
 Wi-Fi
Access
 Basic
Software
o Examples: Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)
 Mainstream
o Examples: Skype, Photoshop, Dropbox, Quicken
 AT
Software
o Examples: Zoomtext, Text to Speech, Dragon, SS Overlay
 Tablets
o I-pads, Android
 E-Readers
o E-ink, Kindles
 Classroom
Supports
o Overheads, Wolf Vision, Projectors
 AT
Gadgets
o Hand-held magnifiers, acrobat, clip-on mics
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Apps on mobile devices can have similar features to AT
o Organization and time management apps
(reminders, calendars)
o Magnifiers and vision supports
o Dictation software
o Reading apps (text to speech, hi-lighting features,
font size changes, etc.)
o Leisure use (newspaper apps, games, “Face Time”
or Skype)
Next steps to making AT meaningful to
the Senior Center…
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Who is your population?
o Age, gender, functional level, educational background, culture
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How do they want to use technology at the senior center?
o Leisure, Social Communication, Business, Education
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What type of technology do they already use?
o Mac, PC, cellphones, e-readers
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How will they respond to new technology?
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What space is available in the environment?
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Willingness to adjust
Computer rooms, classrooms
What resources are available?
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Funding, tech support, training classes
First…determine what to
implement based on user needs
 Next…determine how to
implement
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o Training is important!
• Train staff
• Train users
ATRC at CSU Website:
http://www.atrc.colostate.edu
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Marla Roll, Director of ATRC
[email protected]