Antiquated, printed copies of care plans on are not mobile - and are not as easily changed as the person-served accomplishes their goals. Assistive technology grants individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to feel more a part of the planning process as they carry it with them to help keep them on track.   

2.) Assistive Technology provides accessibility.   

Mobile technology opens the door for text-to speech; allowing  individuals who are print-challenged to “play” each section of  their plan. The user experience can be enhanced by enabling the person-served to independently select the specific section of interest that they wish to listen to. This helps prevent overwhelming them with too much information at once.   

3.) Assistive Technology provides succinct, actionable steps to a customized care plan.   

Care plans should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all solution and manual processes like creating written instructions, manuals, and binders take time and energy that could be spent elsewhere. Assistive technology provides a more malleable platform to establish and manage care plans that are more customized to the individual.    

4.) Assistive Technology is remotely supportable by Care Providers and Job Coaches.   

Assistive technology has afforded Care Providers with the ability to communicate with clients and monitor setbacks and progress in their person-centered care plan ANY TIME and ANYWHERE.  This is a big advancement in the quality of care that Care Providers and Vocational Rehabilitation agencies/organizations can offer their clients. It has equipped them with virtual “eyes” inside the homes of the people they serve without being intrusive to their lives.   

If you are looking to simplify and/or increase the efficacy of your person-centered plans with clients, we encourage you to check out FLOURISH, CreateAbility’s new app that helps you establish, manage goals…and helps your clients achieve them!

The post 4 Ways Assistive Technology Benefits Person-Centered Planning 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.