Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for the Advancement of Cognitive Technologies

1. Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for the Advancement of Cognitive Technologies University of Colorado-Boulder AbleLink Technologies, Inc. University of Michigan Institute for Matching Person & Technology University of Kansas University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center University of Pittsburgh University of California-Davis University of Illinois-Chicago Imagine! Colorado WIN Partners Caring Family, LLC Power converter provides maximum energy harvesting from rectenna and delivers usable energy to the load University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Cathy Bodine PhD, CCC-SLP, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center and Michael Lightner PhD, University of Colorado Boulder PROBLEM Individuals with cognitive disabilities have long been marginalized by society’s unwillingness to include them – within their local communities, educational systems and workplaces – in short, into the very fabric of society. While technology undoubtedly can play a vital role in decreasing this marginalization, there have been very few attempts to date to produce a coherent and sustained approach to identifying and ameliorating barriers for persons with significant cognitive disabilities through the use of technology. • RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS & METHODOLOGIES • Five research projects are investigating the efficacy and impact of a variety of assistive technology interventions. • Data have been collected from 604 individuals ages 8 and older. • Participants have one or more of the following cognitive disabilities: • Developmental disabilities • Alzheimer’s disease • Traumatic Brain Injury • Autism Spectrum Disorder • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome • Fragile X Syndrome • other genetic disorders • Data were also collected from elders with no cognitive disabilities, and the caregivers of the participants with disabilities. • Methods of data collection include survey, interviews, assessments and observations. • OUTCOMES TO DATE • Needs, Knowledge, Barriers and Uses of Assistive Technology by Persons with Cognitive Disabilities • Multi-site focus groups conducted on device use, preferences, and abandonment by individuals with developmental disability, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer’s disease. • National online survey on assistive technology device use, preferences, and abandonment is in final stages of development. Survey respondents will include people with cognitive disabilities and their caregivers. • Technology for Remote Family Support for People with Cognitive Disabilities • Data collected on impact of Digital Mailbox on communication patterns & quality of life of elders living independently • Protocol developed for initiation of longitudinal trial on the impact of Digital Mailbox technology on quality of life of individuals with age-related cognitive decline. • AT Enhancement of Written Expression for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders • 32 students enrolled in project investigating the efficacy of Co:Writer and Write OutLoud software programs. • Manuscript finalized and submitted to JIRD with data for first 20 students. • Technology to Promote Decision-Making Skills and Self-Determination for Students with Cognitive Disabilities • 277 students enrolled in five states • Finalizing resources needed by teachers on a monthly basis • Remote Supports for Independent Living • Evaluated context of use, system requirements, tools & training needed for resident & caregiver continuous observations from remote locations and as requested by resident or system • Development of HealthQuest • field-tested prototype of general health decision making survey • developed interface to enhance system accessibility • XML Repository of Common Tasks • Completed testing latest version to upload/download tasks • Added additional organizations to AIMS • Batteryless MicroPower Sensors for Context Aware Technologies • Completed development of sensor use with switch device • Expanding research to produce a drawer charger for assistive technology devices • Perceptive Animated Interfaces for Workforce Training • Recruiting subjects from school transition program to test software • Continue working with Boulder Workforce Center • Technology Forum • Continues to act in advisory capacity for manufacturing organizations • Have students interns working to interface AAC devices and smart phones • GOAL • The goal of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center of Excellence for the Advancement of Cognitive Technologies (RERC-ACT) is to research, develop, evaluate, implement and disseminate innovative technologies and approaches that will have a positive impact on the way in which individuals with significant cognitive disabilities function within their communities and workplace • Specific priorities for the RERC-ACT to address cognitive disabilities include: • assessment of state-of-the-art technology and its application to address cognitive functioning; • assessment of consumer needs and competencies to use various device features; • development of technologies to improve job skills and to improve employment opportunities; • development of technologies to maximize independence and the abilities to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and independent activities of daily living (IADLs); and, • development of strategies to ensure that new technologies for the general population are accessible to people with cognitive limitations • DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PARTICIPANTS & PURPOSES • Five development projects are developing innovative technologies and standards • Targeted populations include individuals with cognitive disabilities and their caregivers, and manufacturers of assistive technologies • Products include: • computer software for general health decision-making • standards for a repository of directions for completing everyday tasks • batteryless micropower sensors for context aware technologies • perceptive animated agents for workforce training PARTNERS OUTPUTS TO DATE 25 graduate students and fellows to date 60 + presentations worldwide to 7,067 attendees 11 graduate courses for 54 graduate students 22 Peer reviewed publications 46 non-peer reviewed publications 4500 web-site “hits” during the past 8 months www.rerc-act.org 1 product with a manufacturer 1 product “in the pipeline” 3 products/concepts evaluated 2 working prototypes 1 patent/license ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Funding is provided by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research under the US Department of Education, Grant #H133E040019 and the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities.