How Assistive Technology Is Being Used to Help TBI Sufferers

Medicine  

Traumatic Brain Injury patients can now use technology to help them progress through their injuries.  assistance accessing information. There are three main types of these therapeutic aids.

Each year, millions of Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), making it difficult for them to walk, talk, remember and organize information, or participate in everyday activities. TBI may be the result of an accident, stroke, or neurological problem, and the technology to assist people with a TBI can be as low-tech as a spiral notebook to a high-tech computer that synthesizes speech. In general, assistive technology for TBI patients can be broken down into three categories—Mobility, Memory, and Accessibility.

Positioning and Mobility

Medical centers that specialize in treating TBI use a number of high-tech tools, including robotic arms to strengthen their grip and improve their reach. Robotic walkers or motorized exoskeletons help patients learn to walk again. Once the patient returns home, his or her mobility may be helped by canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and specialized beds, tables, or desks. Some modifications may need to be made to the patient's living space, but remember that the person's needs may change with time.

Memory and Organization

Aids for memory and organization may range from homemade checklists, large-print calendars, and written reminders to smartphone apps and even smart watches. Look for apps that make dialing the phone easier for people who may remember faces rather than names—these come in the form of assistive technology which aids the patient in keeping a journal or to-do lists by writing or by dictation.

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Other apps help organize daily, weekly, and monthly schedules and some feature talking alarms for medications and other events. Smart watches allow most of these functions to be kept with the person, minimizing problems from lost phones or notebooks. Other memory and organization aids may be as simple as a notebook with an attached pen or timers that can be clipped to clothing to remind the person of running water or a pot cooking on the stove.

Accessing Information

TBI may interfere with speech or hearing, TBI sufferers may need assistance accessing information.

Because a TBI may interfere with speech or hearing, TBI sufferers may need assistance accessing information. Look for screen readers that translate text to voice for students and others who use computers. Speech recognition software may also help. For students, look for academic software created especially for those with disabilities. Patients may also find that tinted overlays help their reading comprehension. Patients may also benefit from new hearing aids or specialized glasses.

A specialist from CPR Law says that, each year, seven million Americans suffer brain injury. The development and application of assistive technology has provided much-needed aid to those who have been injured. As this technology improves, so will the quality of life for those who need it the most.

By Emma Sturgis

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Author Bio - Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on education and technology. When not writing, she enjoys watching old movies and indoor rock climbing.