Hi Gary

I haven't tried it yet but with my OT head on, I have been fairly
impressed so far with the look of the ABLE LINK from Halliday James. I
am considering it for a lady of mine who has cognitive/ memory problems
and I can see lots of application for it for people with learning
disabilities too. It has been specifically designed for those with
cognitive problems. I have had a lot of experience working with people
with cognitive problems and I think it seems really useful. It has
various applications including Scheduling, Task prompting, location, and
travel training and guidance. It uses photos, pictures, written and
verbal text so has lots of flexibility.

The technology is based around a PDA but I understand it can also be
used via a computer type touch screen.

I am sure Sean Moscrop from Halliday James would be happy to come and
demonstrate it to you. Tel 0121 661 6806 or [log in to unmask]

Their web site is www.hallidayjames.com

If you try it or have a look at it, I would be very interested to hear
how you get on.

Regards

Angie Carter

Strategic Development Manager
Assistive Technology Team
Westminster House,
Hamilton Street,
Birkenhead,
Wirral 
CH41 5FN
0151 666 4922
Fax 0151 666 3678
[log in to unmask]

Wirral Assistive Technology - Health and Social Care Award Winners
2008!!!!

-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Gary Derwent
Sent: 15 February 2010 21:46
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: memory aid devices

I know this topic comes up every now and again, but as technology
moves on quickly I thought it worth asking again.

What kind of success has anybody had with electronic devices as a memory
aid ?
Any new equipment people would recommend, any particular iPhone apps etc
?

Specifically I have a client with poor short term memory from TBI and
pre-existing severe dyslexia which makes text reminders difficult but
not impossible. looking for a reminder system for specific
appointments, events and when to take medications. Voice reminders
would probably be better, or even something with symbol or graphic
capability. He is using an iPhone with a standard calendar application
which can set several alarms per reminder and his family usually set
up alarms for the day before and about two hours before the
appointment. I don't yet know which exact calendar app is being used,
but I get the impression it is a standard basic one that came already
on the iPhone. Physical access to an iPhone or similar sized device is
not a problem. I don't use an iPhone myself (shock horror, I've been
coveting one for a while) so am not fully up to speed with the range
of apps available.

The client responds when the alarms go off, but then whether he takes
any action about it is a bit hit and miss, I this may be to do with
the dyslexia and possibly not fully understanding the reminder, but
could also be motivational / frontal lobe stuff, or simply the timing
of the reminder.

I'm aware of the Mem-X but haven't used it, and obviously NeuroPage
and have found a few bits of PDA software on the web. I know there are
also automated medication boxes with timers and alarms. At Putney we
have used full sized AAC devices to try to work as memory aids for
people with language and memory problems, but this client definitely
needs something portable.

Anyway, any thoughts, advice, pointers very welcome.

Cheers

Gary


Gary Derwent
Compass Assistive Technology Service
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability

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