RESNA Annual Conference - 2012

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS

Michelle L. Sporner, MS, CRC1,2; Annmarie Kelleher, MS, OTR/L, ATP1,2; Rory A. Cooper, PhD1,2; Nicolette Maroulis1;

1Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 2Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh

In the US, the CDC estimates 1.4 million people sustain a TBI yearly and individuals in the military may be at an increased. Sustaining a TBI may result in both short term and long term consequences. As a result, the use of cognitive assistive technology (CAT) has increased to compensate for cognitive deficits. The goal of this study was to determine service member and veteran knowledge of CAT. Twenty-five service members and veterans with disabilities completed a questionnaire to survey their experience with CAT. Of the participants in this study, most of the participants were using some form of CAT, with the most commonly used devices as smart phones/cell phones and alarms. Overall, the results of this study show the majority of service members and veterans with cognitive impairments have some knowledge of CAT. The knowledge gained from this work can be utilized to further develop and expand use of existing devices and training for individuals with cognitive impairments.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This material is based upon work supported (or supported in part) by the Office of Research and Development, Rehabilitation Research & Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Grant #B6789C. The contents of this paper do not represent the views of the Department of Veteran Affairs or the United States Government.

 

Annmarie R Kelleher, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Human Engineering Research Labs, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Phone: (412) 822-3700, Fax: (412) 822-3699, Email:akellehe@pitt.edu.