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Research Details

​​Assis, L., Tirado, M., Pertence, A., Pereira, L., & Mancini, M. (2010). Evaluation of cognitive technologies in geriatric rehabilitation: a case study pilot project. Occupational Therapy International, 17(2), 53-63.​

This article explained a study which was done to evaluate low cost technology for cognitive rehabilitation in older adults with dementia.  The study used the following methods to test this, a software program, virtual exercises and games, an activity board, and a calendar.  They found that through the use of the software program and equipment allows for a therapy program which is interesting and varied.

Carle, A. (2007). More than a game: Brain training against dementia. Nursing Homes: Long Term Care

Management, 56(8), 22-24.

This article aims to explain and compare several “brain gym” technologies and their potential to reduce cognitive deficits through the principles of neuroscience.  There are several different products, some tested and proven to improve cogntive functioning and some not.  The author refers to these as “Nana” technology:  Postit Science, MindFit, Dakim Power and Mybraintrainer.com.  Mindfit is a patented individual training system. results of an independent double blind study released by the company showed a short term memory improvement of 18% among participants. 

Choi, Y., & Sprigle, S. H. (2011). Approaches for Evaluating the Usability of Assistive Technology Product Prototypes. Assistive Technology, 23(1), 36-41.

 

User feedback is important to aid designers in creating a product that can be used efficiently. This article aimed to compare different methods of evaluating prototypes to determine which hold promise as aids to designing new assistive technology products. Eight teams were recruited to design an assistive device and twenty potential users were recruited to evaluate each of the devices and then were to complete a survey. Overall, a short evaluation survey may be a useful tool to help designers engage users during the design stages.

Coleman, M. (2011). Successful Implementation of Assistive Technology to Promote Access to Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Physical Disabilities. Physical Disabilities: Education And Related Services, 30(2), 2-22.

McClanahan, B., Williams, K., Kennedy, E., & Tate, S. (2012). A Breakthrough for Josh: How Use of an iPad Facilitated Reading Improvement. Techtrends: Linking Research And Practice To Improve Learning, 56(3), 20-28.

This article was aiming to prove that such devices like the iPad should be implemented more in schools. As part of a diagnosis and tutoring project in an elementary education reading course, a pre-service teacher was encouraged to use an iPad as the vehicle for intervention strategies with a fifth grade ADHD student. Comparisons of pre- and post-assessments showed that the student had gained one year's growth in reading within a six-weeks time period. The device not only helped the student focus attention, become more confident and take control of his learning through reading.

Mate-Kole, C., Fellows, R., Said, P., McDougal, J., Catayong, K., Dang, V., & Gianesini, J. (2007).

Use of computer assisted and interactive cognitive training programs with moderate to severely demented individuals: A preliminary study.  Aging & Mental Health, 11(5) 485-495.  This article explains a study which was conducted to provide evidence that patients with moderate to severe levels of dementia may benefit from training programs which focus on improving memory and other cognitive skills.  six individuals were assessed through a battery of neuropsychological test to establish a baseline and then took part in a six week cognitive training program. At the end of the six weeks, they were given the same battery of test to examine changes  in their scores.  There was improvement for five of the six participants of the study.  The results show that the combination of two training programs can minimize and even improve some cognitive functions

Tanis, E., Palmer, S., Wehmeyer, M., Davies, D. K., Stock, S. E., Lobb, K., & Bishop, B. (2012). Self-Report Computer-Based Survey of Technology Use by People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, 50(1), 53-68.

Advancements of technologies in the areas of mobility, hearing and vision, communication, and daily living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has the potential to greatly enhance independence and self-determination. However research suggests that there is a technological divide to the general public vs those who have disabilities. This article used QuestNet a self-guided computer survey program to assess and examine the technology needs, use and barriers. The concluding results claimed that although there has been a huge advance in technology it is not fully utilized by the disabled population.

Wilson, D. J., Mitchell, J. M., Kemp, B. J., Adkins, R. H., & Mann, W. (2009). Effects of Assistive Technology on Functional Decline in People Aging with a Disability. Assistive Technology, 21(4), 208-217

This study used a control group to take a closer look at the impact of assistive technology at home for individuals who are aging with a disability. There were 91 participants with polio, rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, stroke, and other impairments. As a result for the different groups for some there was a slower decline in function for the treatment group over 2 years, another group was more likely to use equipment to maintain independence vs. personal assistance. This study supports the value of assistive technology for adults aging with a disability and suggests that it be provided earlier in the aging process.

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Respect and understanding for those who have come before us allows us to achieve better results tomorrow.  Below find the current and helpful research we utilized during our projects.

 

#1 Smile Gear Field Research Results

Brief Conclusion:

The three residents who trialed the new Smile Gear appreciated the idea of the stylus and would recommended it for a friend. However most of them did not have severe issues or paralysis of the hand that would cause an immediate need. They also may not have felt confident using the stylus because it was the first time using it and it was almost a double learning curve on top of learning how to operate the computing devices.


 

Scale:

5 ...highly agree,  4 ...agree,  3 ...Neither agree or disagree,  2 ...disagree,   1 ...highly disagree

   

   The tool was easy it to adjust it to the person's hand/arm:  3, 3, 3
    The tool felt comfortable on their body:  2, 5, 5
    The tool was easy for them to use the first time:  5, 5, 3
    The length of the stylus was perfect:  4, 4, 4
    The pointer size was perfect (not to small or big): 4, 5, make bigger
    The color and furry feel of the stylus make it feel fun to use: 2, 3, 5
    I would use this again: 3, 2, 3
    The color and furry look of the tool positively affected their wanting to try the stylus: 2, 2, 5
    They would prefer our tool to a metal/plastic tool? 3, 3, 3
    They feel confident using this? 3, 4, 2
    They would recommend this tool to a friend? 5, 5, 5
    Anything that they would suggest changing ?  "Make it more stiff at the top",  NO,  NO
    Something positive they'd like to say about the tool (a quote):
        “It’s a very helpful tool for someone who has problems maneuvering their hand.”
        “I like the idea of it, but I prefer to use a mouse.” (used on touchscreen computer monitor)
        “I’d like to try it again and would recommend it to someone else.”

 

#2 Google/Library Database Search Terms and Keywords:​​

Assistive Technology, Cerebral Palsy, iPad + Physical Disabilities, Assistive Technology + Aging,Technology and Education, Special Needs + Technology, Computer Assisted Instruction,Technology Integration + Disabilities, Assistive Software Technology + Dementia, Assistive Technology + Cognitive Functioning, Touch Screen tools

 

#3 Research

 

Respect and understanding for those who have come before us allows us to achieve better results tomorrow.  Below find the current and helpful research we utilized during our projects.

 

 

 

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