This project will develop an interactive multimedia program to provide to children and youth a decision support system for selection and implementation of assistive technology for memory and organization tasks. It will incorporate a questioning procedure employing responses from the user to guide the decision making process to match assistive technology products with characteristics of the task, environment and user. From a list of potentially useful products, the user can interact with age-appropriate case scenarios depicting real people using devices; and interact with the products in a simulated environment to determine appropriateness. The program will provide strategies for implementation of the devices and will print tips and techniques. Innovative features include: a.use of a decision support system for matching technology and user; b.integration of "agent technology" to facilitate communication between user and program; c.incorporation of 3-dimensional models and simulations to "try out" the devices; d.interactive case scenarios; e.implementation activities for devices; and f.integration with the World Wide Web for information, updates, and interaction with successful users. The final product will be distributed on CD- or DVD-ROM with a World Wide Web component. During Phase I, eight specific objectives will be accomplished: 1.Develop the content outline for the complete decision support system; 2.Develop the questioning procedure for the prototype; 3.Verify and validate the questioning procedure for the prototype; 4.Create the architecture following a decision support system design; 5.Create the multimedia elements for the prototype; 6.Program the prototype; 7.Evaluate the prototype; and, 8.Develop a plan for commercial distribution. Summary of Anticipated Results and Implications:
The program is intended to provide information and training on the topic of Assistive Technology for Memory and Organization to four main audiences: 1.children, youth and young adults (ages 8-21) who are experiencing problems with memory and organization; 2.family members and caregivers of students with memory and organization problems; 3.professionals who work with individuals who exhibit problems with memory and organization; and 4.students in university programs; and personnel in educational, social, government and medical facilities who are preparing to work with children and youth with memory and organization problems. Approximately 5-10% of the U.S. school-aged population experiences some type of problem with memory and organization due to a disability or medical condition. Many other students without an identified condition also could be assisted in improving their organizational and management skills. Professional users would come from the following groups: teachers, special educators, guidance counselors, colleges with departments of education and allied health professions, speech language pathologists, social workers, personal coaches, occupational therapists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, assistive technology specialists, children's hospitals, and clinics and other centers for children with disabilities.
