This year, at least 2.8 million Americans will likely sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Right now, more than 5.3 million are living with a permanent brain injury-related disability — that’s one in every 60 people.
The world of assistive technology (AT) continues evolving to make life easier for people with TBI. In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, INDATA hosted a full-day training session exploring the latest developments in AT. Here are a few highlights …
Managing TBI from Your Mobile Device
Apple’s slogan, “There’s an app for that,” is especially fitting for the company’s ever-increasing ability to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.
Among the many apps available on Apple’s mobile operating system is Migraine Buddy.
Migraines rank among the most common symptoms of TBI, and this app helps users:
- Track various aspects of their migraines (timing, pain level, pain location, etc.)
- Identify and avoid potential triggers
- Communicate with doctors
- Determine effective treatments
Living up to its name, Migraine Buddy even supports users and keeps their spirits up by tracking and celebrating their migraine-free days.
Recommended by the best neurologists in the world, this app is greatly improving lives.
Another app that can enhance well-being in people with TBI is One-Moment Meditation. Based on Martin Boroson’s book, One-Moment Meditation: Stillness for People on the Go, this app guides users through a simple, one-minute exercise that’s now part of training for major corporations and healthcare providers.
Memory loss is another major symptom of TBI, and to manage it, Apple offers the Reminders app, which helps in a multitude of ways — from setting notification alerts for specific dates and times to associating reminders with specific contacts. For example, if you have a certain question to ask or topic to discuss with someone, a Reminders notification will pop up the next time you chat with that person via text messaging. Or if you’re making a grocery list, Reminders will automatically categorize and reorder your items by type, such as produce, meat or frozen foods.
You can also share your reminders with contacts, inviting them to collaborate with you on grocery lists, household chores, work assignments, etc.
Physical AT Devices
While the aforementioned apps help with the cognitive effects of TBI, there’s plenty more AT for the physical limitations associated with it.
Maintaining balance can be a major issue for people with TBI, and here’s where the Stander Couch Cane comes in handy. Attachable to most four-legged lift chairs, recliners, couches or sofas, this cane has a sturdy handle users can grab with two hands to stay steady as they get up from a sitting position.
One Indiana-specific area that INDATA’s training session focused on in regard to TBI-related mobility issues was AT for Hoosier farmers.
The Bump N’ Drive gate opener, for example, allows farmers to remain in their truck and open a gate through contact with a vehicle bumper. It remains open for several seconds before automatically closing. This device is helpful for farmers with TBI who have balance issues, limited mobility and fatigue.
Another beneficial solution to these problems is a tractor with a lift seat from Life Essentials, which can safely transport farmers from their wheelchair to the farm vehicle.
These are just a few of the many AT devices available through the National AgrAbility Toolbox from Indiana AgrAbility, one of INDATA’s many local partners and a USDA-sponsored program that assists farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities. INDATA often volunteers at AgrAbility’s Indiana State Fair booth (pictured above) to provide demonstrations of assistive farm equipment.
INDATA also collaborates with Easterseals Crossroads’ monthly support group — the Brain Injury Technology Education and Support (BITES) program. BITES introduces its members to the latest developments in assistive technology, including everything from voice recorders and vibrating alarms to mobile apps featuring memory games, meditation methods, mood tracking and more. Easterseals Crossroads gives members access to less readily available technology through the INDATA Equipment Lending Library.
Although BITES focuses largely on technological support, it ultimately provides social and emotional support — not only for the members with brain injuries but also for their families and caregivers.
“As we recognize Brain Injury Awareness Month and the technology available, it’s important to remember that AT doesn’t just make life easier in a practical sense,” said Easterseals’ Director of Assistive Technology Josh Anderson. “Sure, it’s convenient to have reminders of daily tasks or devices to help maintain physical balance, but these tools ultimately show that independence with a disability is possible and manageable. These tools are great sources of motivation and encouragement that even with a brain injury, people can thrive.”