Resources for Students with Cognitive Impairments
What are Cognitive Impairments?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a nervous system disorder in which the thinking abilities (cognitive abilities) are reduced. Mild cognitive impairment is a stage between normal cognitive abilities and dementia. The PDF below explores many different assistive technologies for students that are cognitively impaired.
at_cognitive_.pdf | |
File Size: | 152 kb |
File Type: |
CoglinkCoglink is a simplified email system. It is simplified so that all people, no matter their age or ability can use the emailing system. Email is basically one of the only ways to communicate with coworkers and colleges. There are rarely any paper mail in office spaces and works because everyone is trying to be more green. Parents can control the setting so that children can only communicate with individuals that the parents give permission to. www.coglink.com |
Fun With DirectionsFun With Directions is a free application for the iPad. The application allows students to practice listening and following directions. This is done by having students touch certain objects based on its physical characteristics. The application also allows students to practice recalling facts. This is done through a recording feature. The student will be prompted to recall what action they completed. The student then speaks into the iPad, stating what action they just performed.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fun-with-directions-hd-lite/id478249055?mt=8 |
iPhoneIt seems that everyone these days are on a hue iPhone craze. But the hype is all for a reason! The iPhone has all of the tools listed above built in! Audio books, camera, voice recorder, and simplified email settings WITH parent controls. The iphone store also has thousands of applications for educational purposes such as aide with spelling, sorting, matching ect. www.apple.com/iphone |
WatchMinder Watch
Watches from WatchMinder can be used for a variety of users from deaf and hard of hearing, to autistic, and cognitively impaired. This watch has a vibrating feature and users can program reminders and positive reinforces into the device. Users can also put in schedules or medical regiments. Homework and assignments can be put into WatchMinder to help students keep on task and on the same track as their peers. This can also be used by parents and teachers to keep track of/schedule a child's day.
http://watchminder.com/ |
Are you a teacher?
Here is how to implement these tools in your classroom!
These technologies are all worth the investment for classrooms. Not only can they be applied to students with different cognitive abilities, but they can also be used for all students to aid in organization and communication skills. Often students with cognitive disabilities have trouble remembering information and tools such as the WatchMinder wrist watch can help students remember their daily tasks with displays such as "read chapter five." In addition, the vibrating feature helps the student wearing the device and does not distract the entire class.