Sponsored Research Office

Project Director:

Dr. Laurie Ehlhardt - ehlhardtl@wou.edu - 541-346-0572

Dr. Ann Glang - glanga@wou.edu - 541-346-0594

Contact Phone:

541-346-0574

Contact Email:

barbierr@wou.edu

Website:

Funding Source:

US Department of Education - National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Project Description:

Assistive technology for cognition (ATC) has tremendous potential to support increased independence in adults with cognitive impairments due to traumatic brain injury (TBI) by compensating for these impairments. However, the ATC literature cites lack of effective instruction as a barrier to successful, long-term use. In this development project, we are developing, testing, and disseminating an instructional package called the Training Assistive Technology in the Environment (TATE) Systematic Instructional Package (SIP). The use of Participatory Action Research (PAR) during the project ensures that TATE SIP is informed by stakeholder input throughout the development and evaluation phases. Outcome measures will include evaluation of device use (device skill acquisition), device usability (skills used in targeted environments), functional performance (activities of daily living affected by device use), quality of life (subjective well-being) and social participation (community integration). To ensure the TATE SIP reaches its intended audiences-survivors of TBI and the individuals who will train them to use ATC, we are working with a national group of researchers, practitioners, consumers, and advocacy organizations to support recruitment and dissemination activities.