At CreateAbility, we believe that the power of enabling technology is best described in a real-life scenario of our solutions.

Here is the story of Nancy (job coach), Kevin (residential care provider) and Alvin (individual served) and an example of the benefits of having task-prompting that makes a seamless transition from home to work each day.

___________________________________________________________

Kevin is a residential staff at a small provider in the Northwest. Kevin has been baffled as to how to support Alvin and remind him when and how to perform typical ADL in his home. 

His job coach, Nancy, who is picking up the slack for staffing shortages, finds that she has too much to do – and not enough time in a day to do it. On top of feeling like she can’t seem to get everything done, she struggles to create prompts for Alvin to remember the specific sequences needed to perform his job correctly. 

Then they tried MeMinder for both home ADLs, as well as on the job. Both Kevin and Nancy found that the extensive library of pre-created tasks on MeMinder’s cloud were a great starting point and after making a few tweaks, the prompts were pushed to Alvin’s device in real time to support him.  

Alvin immediately feels more confident at work. On days when Alvin feels sharp, he only needs the the talking pictures mode on MeMinder. Other days, Alvin only needs audio sequences. Alvin really likes how he can just slide his phone into his bicep jogging strap and listen to prompts on his earbuds. He simply taps on the display to advance his MeMinder to the next prompt. When he’s learning something new, has tasks that he only does occasionally, or has a more complex task, Alvin likes how some of the prompts can provide full video modeling. 

As Alvin gains independence with the MeMinder App, Kevin was able to fade his previous level of support in the residential setting, and Nancy was able to fade her job coaching responsibilities.  

Both Kevin and Nancy love how that they can consult the dashboard to see the timestamped verification that the right things are being performed by the right time. They can also get picture verification; allowing her to remotely monitor the end result of Alvin’s completed tasks.

Learn more about MeMinder task prompting for people with intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injuries, click here.

The post Task Prompting for Residential and Vocational Settings appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.

Isaak’s mom and Christy, his in-home care provider, had tried a variety of approaches to remind Isaak on basic ADLs, oral hygiene, and medication usage. After several failed attempts, exhausted staff efforts and multiple different “reminder” formats, they discovered CreateAbility’s Qminder App for easy task-prompting.   

They were thrilled to learn that after downloading the app, it only took a matter of minutes to record video and/or audio prompts for Isaak, assign them to a QR code, print the code and stick it in the appropriate locations where he need prompts or information!   

Isaak takes to the App and adopts it in no-time-flat. He loves how he just aims his app at the special QR code and it starts playing his special task instructions or personal messages without even needing to tap on any link.  

At work, Isaak’s productivity has soared since he started using Qminder to locate himself in the warehouse, to get reminders on how to use equipment, and the safe usage of various chemicals required in his duties. 

At his home, Isaak’s mom frequently leaves him uplifting personal messages to keep his content fresh and engaging. (She also finds it fun and entertaining!)

Mom and Christy love that they can see when Isaak scanned a code; a cue to let them know he’s working on his to-dos.  

Christy is so enamored with the ease of Qminder that she develops special QR codes for her colleagues to scan when entering individuals’ residences that informs them of policies and procedures. 

Positive outcomes for the individual served – positive outcomes for parents and providers. (Win-Win-Win!)

For more information about Qminder, click here.

The post The Ease of Context-based Cueing appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.

It increases data integrity.  
When engaging in an in-person survey, the people taking the assessment tend to “filter” their answers to please (or not upset) the survey administrator. In written surveys, the survey recipient may become overwhelmed, challenged, or bored with the test-taking process and answer hastily in order to finish.  

Avatar-led assessments provide a neutral environment for people to focus on the question at hand and answer in an honest manner without any hesitations or fears. Also, studies have shown that self-reported daily data is more reliable because there is less reliance on the memory of the person served. 

It increases data collection consistency and efficacy. 
Assessments/surveys are administered in the same methodology each-and-every time they are given. There are no changes in tone or inflection therefore, providing a less leading and more unbiased method for disseminating critical questions to the people you serve.   

This translates to more accurate results that opens the door for higher quality person-centered care planning, as well as better organizational management.  
 
It’s less intrusive to the person being served.  
When the person being served is trying to achieve more independence, another check-in or questionnaire might become both taxing and intrusive into their daily lives.   

Avatar-led assessments can simply “pop up” during the course of their day or week – and not feel less like supervision or a chore.   
 
Its customization features make it more accessible to a wider audience.  
For those who tend to get agitated with certain conditions or people, avatar-led assessments allow for the person being served to voice their opinion on when they prefer to take their survey as well as who administers it.  Having the ability to customize their avatar lessens their agitation with the survey and increases their engagement. For those who have autism, avatars are available that do not make eye contact with the test-taker and as the avatar speaks the survey and answer options, they can also be a great option for those who struggle with reading or have vision challenges.  

While real people cannot be replaced by technology in the overall care of people with intellectual developmental disabilities, you can most certainly bring in artificial intelligence to bridge gaps in the care/safety plans of the individuals served.  

Learn more about the wide range of avatar-led assessments available to your organization here.  

The post The Benefits of Avatar-Led Data Collection appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.

After taking a few deep, cleansing breaths, we want you to know that we are right there with you. 

In response, to help you to continue to remotely and safely support to the people you serve in these times, we are switching each of our popular MeMinder, Employment Suite, OnTracker and Avatalk solutions to a $7.99 per person-served, per month model for the foreseeable future. Customers who can pre-pay annually will receive a 15% discount. 

Because of incredible people like you, we will make it through this together! 

Steve 

If you are interested in securing our special rates on remote supports that will help you manage in these times, please email us at info@createabilityinc.com.

See the report at: https://www.ancor.org/newsroom/news/congressional-research-service-warns-some-states%E2%80%99-budget-reductions-during-covid-19 

The post CreateAbility’s Response to Budget Reductions During COVID-19 appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.

DSPs and support staff members’ jobs are not just to keep their clients safe and healthy, but to also work with them on establishing goals for themselves and working to achieve them. Often times, people with IDDs also have a dual diagnosis; another behavioral challenge in addition to their intellectual developmental disability. Behavioral challenges can flare up during this goal setting process and hinder the individuals from achieving whatever it is they set out to do.

CreateAbility, in partnership with Dr. Julie F. Brown of Skills System, Inc. are nearing the last phase of development for OnTracker; an app that allows persons with IDDs to check in multiple times per day to gauge whether their thoughts and actions are aligned with their current goals. By running on popular Apple and Android tablets, OnTracker is a 24/7 coach to help them check in a self-regulate after experiencing an emotional triggering event, such as a conflict with a roommate or co-worker, or missing a bus on a rainy day.

After rating their feelings, the app enables them to employ the appropriate ‘skills’ to help them independently cope with their situation. The 9 skills include:

• Clear picture: Helps persons being served notice what is happening inside and outside of themselves at that moment.
• On-Track Thinking: Helps persons being served think clearly about what they want and what will work to help reach their goals.
• On-Track Action: Once they get a clear picture and have On-Track Thinking, this step helps them do something positive to move toward goals.
• Safety Plan: Persons being served plan how to handle risky situations that are happening right now and may happen in the future.
• New-Me Activities: Help the person being served focus their attention, help them feel better, distract them and help them have fun.
• Problem Solving: Taking time to solve problems in the person being served life so that they can be happier and reach goals.
• Expressing Myself: Person being served shares what is on their mind and their heart to help them reach their goals.
• Getting it Right: Helps the person being served work with people to get what they want.
• Relationship Care: Helps the person being served understand how to have with themselves and others.

The app will benefit people in day programs and in residential settings.

Should you be interested in participating in a pilot study or just wanting more information on OnTracker, please reach out to us at info@createabilityinc.com.

The post New App Will Help DSPs and Staff Work with Individuals with IDD and Behavioral Challenges appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.

As you pour yourself into others, try to remember to keep your own “cup refilled” by devoting time to self-care. Here are self-care suggestions to may provide inspiration during these times:

1.) Give yourself permission to take time off for self-care; time to do whatever it is that your heart desires. Put it on your calendar, set reminders, and let others know that this is YOUR time to decompress however you see fit. There is NO reason to feel guilty designating self-care time; you need to be able to sustain the care you provide during this time.

2.) First and foremost, in the heat of what feels to be a battle, it is so important to know that THIS IS TEMPORARY. Hard to see in times of struggle, we know – but true, nonetheless. While we do not know when successful treatments will be found, a vaccination invented, when things return to “normal” (or what the new normal even looks like), on thing is for sure – we will not live in this current state forever. Breathe and hang tight.

3.) If you are comfortable with it, accept help from those who offer it to you. For many who aren’t on the front line, it’s a love offering in a time where they too, feel out of control. Let someone deliver your dinner, mow your yard or pick up your groceries for you. You are important in this time and deserving of attention and it gives you more time to take care of yourself.

4.) Try not to isolate yourself; while you may feel alone, there are most likely others experiencing similar emotions you can talk to. Find a person (even if it’s just a single person), to talk to, cry or laugh with. However, you need to unload the baggage that has accrued at work – make sure you find an outlet to help you unpack it and diffuse some of the heightened emotion these times manifest.

5.) Look for the joys in every day. That’s right, joys are still happening in the world; they just might be a little harder to see through the lens of COVID-19. Be still and present; reconnect with your environment, nature, and the people around you. You will find beauty. Even if you find a single joy per day, journal each and string them together to form a bridge of hope that will help you get to the other side of this pandemic.

We will get through this together – and the CreateAbility Team is here to help you in any way that we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here and waiting to support you!

Similar Reads:  4 Assistive Technology and Remote Monitoring Solutions for COVID-19 Transmission Reduction

The post Care Providers: 5 Ways to Keep A Healthy Mental Outlook During the Pandemic appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.

All devices will come ready-to-deploy with pre-loaded remote support tools and staff training can be handled via video and/or video conferencing format for rapid implementation.

Throughout this pandemic, CreateAbility is here to help you in any way that we can.

If you have questions about any of our COVID-19 Response technology solutions, please do not hesitate to call us at 317.728.6670 or email us at info@createabilityinc.com. Due to the time-sensitive nature of this pandemic, we will return all messages within 1 business day. 

The post CreateAbility Launches Assistive Technology and Remote Monitoring Tools for COVID-19 Response appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.

Our team has been brainstorming very hard on how we can utilize the technology we’ve built to help you through the COVID-19 pandemic. We realize that operations are not likely to be “normal” right now and you may have new responsibilities and requirements for you to manage. For that reason, we are reaching out to you today to let you know of a few ways that we may be able to help ease the burden:

• Limited-time Loaner/free MeMinder apps to assist your clients with the prompts they need for COVID-19 mindfulness/tasks.
• Limited-time Loaner/free Evalu8NOW apps to help you check in on clients’ health and emotional well-being between in-person visits.
• By serving as your technology resource for the creation of ANY COVID-19 related solutions that would help you manage during this time.

This is by no means a time to be opportunistic; but an opportunity for CreateAbility to do its part in the COVID-19 efforts.

We appreciate you and would be humbled to serve you and can be reached by emailing info@createabilityinc.com. We are sensitive to the immediacy of your needs and will respond to all messages within one business day.

Sincerely,

The CreateAbility Team

The post COVID-19: Words of Encouragement and Complimentary Help from CreateAbility appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.

“The issue”, according to Steve Sutter, President of CreateAbility, “is that people in the circle of care typically prefer to text when they want to quickly check in with someone. But this may not work in situations where the reside has difficulty texting or reading, or they are concerned that the person-served now has their cell phone number.”

Avatalk automatically renders the text message into a talking avatar to present the question and up to six answers to the resident, then converts the resident’s answer back to text to the remote individual. The technology was designed to provide a natural, non-intrusive mode of checking in on clients that is both engaging and commands response – as well as a provide agency staff with a platform they can use to get specific feedback on an efficient basis from individuals with Down Syndrome, autism, survivors of a brain injury, or older adults with dementia

Typical examples where avatalk may be used are: verifying that the resident is ready for pickup, took their medications, showered, returned home safely, secure during a storm, etc. This flexibility bridges potential gaps in understanding the residents’ health, safety, and satisfaction with their situation. This can provide an immediate solution for stop-gap coverage of the person-served, or supplement remote monitoring technologies.

“In a time when agencies are spread thin and healthcare is pushing toward more person-centric care plans, care providers are tasked with more responsibilities than ever.” States CreateAbility, Inc. President, Steve Sutter. “Avatalk gives them a tool that will allow them to check in with the people they serve and get quicker responses that are honed in tightly to the information they need to retrieve in order to perform their care of the individual more efficiently.”

For the resident, avatalk’s interface provides a less intrusive communication style that allows them to respond simply and efficiently. When in use, the app runs a personal slide show of their favorite places and people. When someone on their circle of care sends a question to them via text, an avatar (in which they have previously selected) will appear, ask the question aloud, and provide answers for them to select from. The answer they select is wirelessly transmitted and conveyed back as text to the care provider.
Avatalk will be available directly from CreateAbility by the end of October for Windows 10 and Android devices and will be available in the Android and Apple app stores by the end of November. Pre-orders are being accepted now at a promotional price of $74.95. To see a demo and receive promotional pricing on avatalk, please email info@createabilityinc.com.

About CreateAbility, Inc.
CreateAbility strives to improve the dignity, security, and quality of life for people who are trying to maintain varying degrees of independence, but who need assistive technologies. Our mission is to create innovative products that help them flourish beyond their current capability. Our interactive health and safety monitoring software solutions help caregivers deliver an affordable blend of care, 24/7 that nurtures independence. We serve caregivers, agencies, and organizations devoted to helping older adults, people with intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health issues.

Contact:
Kerri Pinger
Marketing & Sales Support Administration
CreateAbility, Inc.
kerri@createabilityinc.com

The post CreateAbility, Inc. Launches First-of-its-kind Communication Platform for People with Intellectual Disabilities appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.

As a member of a family where Parkinson’s is present, it can be very difficult to know what to do, say, or relate; not only to the one dealing with it, but with the rest of the family as well. Old tensions and strained relationships can be exacerbated, adding even more stress to the situation. The level of involvement and care provided by extended relatives and friends can come under scrutiny, while those closer to the one with Parkinson’s may feel like they have to deal with everything.

In times of stress and uncertainty, it’s important to remember that individual caretakers and families have options, informational resources and professional assistance available to them to help them distinguish the needs and provide an actionable plan of care.

ROADBLOCKS IN CARING FOR A PERSON WITH PARKINSON DISEASE

It’s very important, regardless of your situation, to create actionable steps. These can be as small as a weekly communications with family members or friends for moral support or as involved as planning medical appointments and care. But as the effects of Parkinson’s vary from day-to-day, it’s critical to be both flexible and forgiving of yourself when planning doesn’t always go favorably. A general plan, however, will help you have a foundation to return to, offer a degree of control and ward off additional stress.

3 Major issues that commonly cause stress in the family of a person with Parkinson’s are:

• lack of knowledge about Parkinson’s and the effects it can/will have on your loved one
• not enough communication and role assignments between the family members and caregivers
• overall lack of support from peers and friend groups

Every family will experience these issues differently and at different degrees. However, as a general rule, most of the struggles and strains that families face can fit into one of these three categories.

To help you effectively seek out assistance with all three of these challenges, CreateAbility has created this helpful list of resources that can provide information and direction for families of persons with Parkinson’s:

INFORMATION SOURCES:

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

National Parkinson Foundation

American Parkinson Disease Association

Parkinson Alliance

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Parkinson’s Research Organization

CAREGIVING FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON DISEASE

My Parkinson’s: A support group for caregivers of people with Parkinson’s

A Place for Mom: Locator service for additional help of facilities that care for people with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Support Advocacy

Parkinson’s Disease: A Guide for Caregiving (Article)

PHYSICAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The Climb – Indiana Parkinson Foundation

Exercises for Parkinson’s: Balance Exercises – Video

Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s Disease Patients

The post Parkinson’s Disease: What to Expect and Where to Begin After Diagnosis appeared first on CreateAbility Inc.