Assistive Technologies and Other Supports for People with Brain Impairment

Assistive Technologies and Other Support for People with Brain Impairment, by Marcia J. Scherer, is a must-have text for academic instructors and their students. The author’s synopsis of brain impairment, current rehabilitation strategies, available assistive technologies and resources, as well as the practical merging of the above, makes this an invaluable addition to any academic program in cognitive rehabilitation....The author’s inclusion of a section regarding current funding options makes this text truly invaluable and a leader amongst its contemporaries.＂--Brain Injury

This book is an extensive and impressive overview, not only of current research in assistive technology (AT), but also of its relationship to cognitive dysfunction, and of the experiences that people with cognitive disabilities present from birth or due to acquired brain injury....[It] will be valuable not only for healthcare professionals, but also as a knowledge base for users, families, and carers.＂--Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Marcia Scherer’s book is timely, ambitiously thorough, and provides a framework for understanding complex needs and their rehabilitation...Assistive Technologies and Other Supports for People with Brain Impairment is, to my mind, the first book of sufficient depth, theoretical clarity and usefulness to be considerable as a textbook of this exciting field.＂--Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Dr. Scherer provides a comprehensive and well-integrated examination of disabilities associated with brain impairment and how to approach the use of adaptive technologies.＂--Journal of Technology in Human Services

[This book] gives a clear and detailed overview of how the brain reacts to impairment and gives illustrated examples of effective integration of AT into the lives of people with cognitive disability. The resources referred to are primarily American but the principles are universal.＂--The Newsletter of the Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association

The author’s strong and diverse experience in clinical, research and technology has resulted in an important guide for practitioners, families, caregivers and persons with disability who are seeking assistive technology supports.＂--Brain Injury Professional

Despite fast-paced changes in both consumer technology and medical assistive technology, the book is up-to-date, incorporating discussion of the latest devices and approaches. The writing is clear and the book is well-organized, with a substantial number of comprehensive tables and charts that make this a valuable reference work.＂--Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology

Integrating current research with the experiences of people with cognitive disabilities, this volume examines how assistive and cognitive support technologies are being harnessed to provide assistance for thinking, remembering, and learning. The book vividly describes real-life situations in which cognitively impaired individuals use assistive supports and the advantages and limitations these individuals perceive from their use. It provides information on how cognitively impaired individuals and their families and caregivers can select the most appropriate technologies from a wide array of accommodations and resources, including individualized protocols of different forms of support to facilitate optimal functioning.

The text offers practitioners a comprehensive and systematic process for ensuring their clients’ effective application and utilization of this technology. This book will also provide insight for users of assistive technology and their families and caregivers to ensure optimal technology use.

• Outlines an effective process for integrating assistive technologies into the activities and lifestyle of users with cognitive disabilities
• Explains how to match individuals with the most appropriate devices to enhance independent functioning
• Provides a detailed overview of neurological and physical characteristics of various cognitive disabilities present at birth or acquired through accident, illness, or aging
• Includes figures, checklists, assessment tools, and illustrations throughout the text for enhanced learning