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Steps to independence – supporting every day decision making with computers
- Authors:
- OLDREIVE Warren, MOORE Neil, WAIGHT Mary
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 6(1), 2012, pp.53-61.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Activities of daily living (ADL) often require an element of decision making or choice. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the use of computer software as a tool aimed at promoting independence in a range of ADLs. Specifically, the paper describes how a man with learning disabilities was supported in making everyday decisions. The man was working full time and living with minimal support on his own; however, he habitually contacted his parents to ask for advice on matters of everyday living, including the choice of clothes to wear, and his parents were finding it hard to continue to support him. To support him with his choice of clothing, software was constructed which focused on 3 elements: temperature; the weather; and his occupation for the day. The man demonstrated the ability to access the software and use the program to make decisions within sessions. Following this success, the program was expanded to support the man with information on who to contact and what to do in certain scenarios (such as being later for work or a household emergency). The man enjoyed using the tool and found it useful. The program will continue to evolve in line with future needs.
Enabling access to information by people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- OLDREIVE Warren, WAIGHT Mary
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 18(1), 2013, pp.5-15.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The authors argue that accessible information often fails to provide resources that benefit individuals, thus increasing their vulnerability and risk of exclusion form the decision making process. This paper summarises a new approach to information provision based on a screening protocol. The stages involved include; referral, screening (language and literacy), evaluation of reasoning, decision making on suitable formats and review of the formats employed. The paper begins by discussing what accessible information means and goes on to look at a number of widely used formats, such as easy read information, internet-based systems, talking mats and audio-DVD systems. Four individual case studies are discussed involving adults with learning disabilities and examining the processes of making information accessible to each them. Screening revealed that the four individuals required different mechanisms to maximise their ability to access information provided. The authors emphasise the importance of completing relevant screening, devising personalised materials and evaluating success in the development of accessible information. The framework they describe can be used to create an Accessibility Passport for each individual. The authors conclude that accessible provision is part of a much bigger and dynamic process; information is only meaningful if experience makes it real.