Assistive Technology for Cognition Following Brain Injury: Guidelines for Device and App Selection

Abstract

The widespread use of mobile technologies and applications (apps) among the non-disabled population in the past several years to stay connected, track appointments, stay organized, etc., has had profound implications for those with cognitive disabilities following acquired brain injury. Assistive technology for cognition (ATC) includes the use of these same systems to compensate for common cognitive challenges following ABI. And although the use of mainstream technologies in this population is a potential boon, it can be difficult for rehabilitation professionals to keep up with the changing world of devices, operating systems, and applications (apps). This article provides an overview of devices and apps currently used as ATC and provides guidelines for device and app selection and a framework for facilitating meta-cognition and generalization through the ATC instruction process. (Note: The devices and apps described in this article are not intended to be an endorsement of any particular system.)