Frequently Asked Questions technology

1. How do I know what technology I need?
Using the cybernetic model, it is possible to define a
reas of concern. Do you need to bring in information? Do you need to organize and store information? Do you need to express information?
How may technology be used?

2.  compensate for losses or deficits
support persons with disabilities, elderly populations, or returning veterans
support persons with acquired head injuries, drug abuse challenges, or degenerative disorders

3. What is soft technology?
Examples of soft technology are a simple napkin or handkerchief with “Yes” or “No” options which permits communicative interactions; Cards which sequence the steps for brushing teeth.

4. What areas of concern might technology address?
Environmental Control
Expanded memory or recall
Direct selection of information or devices
Scanning for information or supports
Individualized plans to address unique needs
Ever-patient learning devices to retrain, enlighten, or each

5. How does technology help environmental control?
Technology allows a person to control their environments, such as turning off and on lights or activating a sensor to see who is at their front door. Spell check is an input device on the computer which allows persons who have word problems to correct what is written. (See List of dyslexia resources)

6. How does technology help expanded memory and recall?
Computers may be used to save information. Reminder systems may be generated to remind a person to take their medication, follow their schedule, or keep important information readily available. This may be used with persons who have memory loss, need support in organizing their day, or even as a way to schedule time, allocate efforts, or keep on task.

  7.How does technology help direct selection of information or devices?
Technology allows for questions to be answered, find information from a menu of options, or go directly to email or social media.

  8. How does technology help scanning for information or supports?
Technology will connect to big sources of information (web browsers, files, or software menus). The person may scan these resources to find exactly what they are interested in doing, learning, or receiving to act upon.

  9. How does technology help create individualized plans to address unique needs?
Calendar and reminder applications make it possible to enter the dosages of medications a person takes and to remind the person to take them at agreed upon times. This also allows for daily schedules to be posted and available at any time for providers of services, individuals with needs, or agencies to allocate resources to meet goals for an individual.

  10. How does technology impact learning devices to train, re-train, or enlighten and teach new information?
Learning is a lifetime experience. Technology has ever-patient approaches to help a person learn or develop. This means that courses, skills, and work applications may be taught using technology.