assistive technology and neurodiversity

Tools for Independence

Customizing Assistive Technology for Persons Who are Neurodiverse

What You Will Learn

• AT supports independence and choice for people with disabilities

• Focus on how a person processes information, not on the device

• Remember to include warranties, maintenance, and repair• Always try out a device, so it doesn't end up in the closet• We all use AT to help us negotiate our way through life 

What Is AT?

Who Is Neuro-Diverse?

AT and IndependenceThe Independent Living Model:

 The Recovery Movement Model:

Matching A Person and A Device

The Use of Cues to Support AT• Lists (including checklists)

• Visual Cues

 • Auditory Cues

• Tactile (touch) cues

Some Memory AT Scenarios

AT to Support Memory

Reminders and Lists

Typical Memory AT Devices

Typical Memory AT Devices

Typical Memory AT Devices

Typical Memory AT Devices

Typical Memory AT Devices

Some Attention AT Scenarios

AT to Support Attention

Typical Attention Support Devices

Typical Attention Support Devices

Typical Attention Support Devices

Typical Attention Support Devices

Typical Attention Support Devices

Some Orientation AT Scenarios

AT to Support Orientation

Typical Orientation AT Devices

Typical Orientation AT Devices

Typical Orientation AT Devices

Typical Orientation AT Devices

Typical Orientation AT Devices

Some AT Safety Scenarios

AT to Support Safety

Typical Safety AT Items

Typical Safety AT Items

Typical Safety AT Devices

Typical Safety AT Items

Typical Safety AT Items

Typical Safety AT Items

Some Symptom Management AT Scenarios 

AT to Support Symptom Management

Typical Symptom Management AT Items 

Typical Symptom Management AT Items 

Typical Symptom Management AT Items 

Typical Symptom Management AT Items 

Integrating AT Supports

Integrated AT System

Integrated AT System

Integrated AT System

Beyond This Presentation

• Resources• Your Presenter•  Core Take-Aways•  References•  Last Thoughts

Resource: Job Accommodation Network

Resource: Abledata

Resource: Michigan Loan Funds

Resource: MDRC AT Project

Resource: AT Xchange

Resource: Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services 

Resource: UCPM UP AT Center

Resource: National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Project

Resource: RESNA

Resource: Aging In Place At Home

Resource: Family Center on Technology and Disability 

Your Presenter

Name: Norm DeLislePosition:  Director, MDRCEmail: ndelisle@prosynergy.orgTwitter: http://twitter.com/mdrcngdBlogs:Norman Learned at http://normdelisle.posterous.comLTC Reform athttp://ltcreform.posterous.comRecovery Michigan athttp://recoverymi.posterous.com

Core Take-Aways

•AT supports independence and choice for people with disabilities

•Focus on how a person processes information, not on the device

•Remember to include warranties, maintenance, and repair

•Always try out a device, so it doesn't end up in the closet

•We all use AT to help us negotiate our way through life

References• Making Up the Mind: How the Brain Creates Our

Mental World by Chris Firth at http://bit.ly/ccH9gx• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Videos from The

National Center for UDL at http://bit.ly/bvFAZ0 • The Illustrated Guide to Assistive Technology and

Devices by Suzanne Robitaille at http://bit.ly/bvFAZ0 • Universal Design for the Home by Wendy A. Jordan at 

http://bit.ly/8Y8J4H • Tricare's Computer/Electronic Accommodations

Program at http://bit.ly/dA6EWU  • Pen Friend Video Demo: http://bit.ly/c8CMYg

Last Thoughts

"Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live.”        -Neil Marcus "I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"        -Dr. Seuss

Thank You!!!

I Appreciate Your Interest