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Assistive Technology for Older Adults

Assistive Technology for Older Adults. Mindy Fletcher, Caitlin Anghilante , Anna Cliff. March 6, 2013. Introductions. What is Occupational Therapy at CSU?.

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Assistive Technology for Older Adults

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  1. Assistive Technologyfor Older Adults Mindy Fletcher, Caitlin Anghilante, Anna Cliff March 6, 2013

  2. Introductions

  3. What is Occupational Therapy at CSU? 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

  4. What is Assistive Technology (AT)? • 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

  5. What is the ATRC? • ATRC: Assistive Technology Resource Center • Provides assistive technology (AT) for students • Reading • Note-taking • Study Skills • Test-taking • Writing • For example: • Text-to-speech software • Voice recognition • Low-vision compensation • Digital textbooks

  6. Older Adults and Technology • How do Adults 65 and over use technology? • Internet: ½ use internet • 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 • Gadgets • 69% have mobile phone • 11% tablets • 8% e-readers • Computers • 33% own laptops Source: Pew Internet

  7. Why do seniors need AT? • Conditions associated with aging: • Low-Vision • Decreased Hearing • Memory & Cognitive Loss • Physical Access Presentation Plan: 1. Explore AT that is useful for aging populations 2. Discuss how to incorporate technology at the Senior Center

  8. So first let’s explore… AT for Older Adults

  9. Vision Supports 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

  10. Hearing Supports 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

  11. Memory & Cognitive Supports OT for Older Adults • Calendar & Reminder Software • Friendly Interface Layout VS.

  12. Computer-assisted:Memory and Cognitive Supports • 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/

  13. Physical Access - Hardware AT for Older Adults • Principles for improved posture • Adapted Keyboards • Adapted Mice • Wrist pads • Adjustable height tables • Document holders • Adjustable and oversized Monitors • Mobile devices/touch screens • Chairs

  14. Physical Access-Hardware Examples

  15. Physical Access - Software • Word completion and work prediction software • Dictation software • Apps (for tablets and phones)

  16. So now that we’ve discussed specific AT for older adults… What kinds of technology could beincorporated at the Senior Center?

  17. Hardware • Mac vs. PC • What are users used to? • Software & device compatibility • Price & Tech support • Laptop vs. Desktop • Work-station set-up • Ergonomic concerns • Purpose of computers? • Printing, Scanning & Faxing • What services would you like to provide? • Wi-Fi Access

  18. Software • Basic Software • Examples: Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) • Mainstream • Examples: Skype, Photoshop, Dropbox, Quicken • AT Software • Examples: Zoomtext, Text to Speech, Dragon, SS Overlay

  19. Additional Tech to Consider… • Tablets • I-pads, Android • E-Readers • E-ink, Kindles • Classroom Supports • Overheads, Wolf Vision, Projectors • AT Gadgets • Hand-held magnifiers, acrobat, clip-on mics

  20. Mobile Devices • Apps on mobile devices can have similar features to AT • Organization and time management apps (reminders, calendars) • Magnifiers and vision supports • Dictation software • Reading apps (text to speech, hi-lighting features, font size changes, etc.) • Leisure use (newspaper apps, games, “Face Time” or Skype)

  21. Now what?? Next steps to making AT meaningful to the Senior Center…

  22. What are the needs? • Who is your population? • Age, gender, functional level, educational background, culture • How do they want to use technology at the senior center? • Leisure, Social Communication, Business, Education • What type of technology do they already use? • Mac, PC, cellphones, e-readers • How will they respond to new technology? • Willingness to adjust • What space is available in the environment? • Computer rooms, classrooms • What resources are available? • Funding, tech support, training classes

  23. Training Considerations • First…determine what to implement based on user needs • Next…determine how to implement • Training is important! • Train staff • Train users

  24. ATRC at CSU Website:http://www.atrc.colostate.edu Marla Roll, Director of ATRCmarla.roll@colostate.edu Questions?

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