Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
which day it is, I have been working with him to check the display on his cell phone, which
clearly shows this information on the LED screen.
He has also used the notebook at home to write important tasks and instructions, but he
does not always remember to refer to it. It has worked well for noting daily chores. He is able
to scratch off the chores as he completes them, giving him a greater sense of accomplish-
ment. Another application for the notebook, which has been met with less success on the
initial tries, is writing down instructions on how to do things that are important to him. For
instance, how to retrieve his voicemail messages from his cell phone and how to get rid of
the little red light that is displayed on the cable TV box indicating the cable company has
sent a message about a special offering. These are two things that tend to agitate him until
they are cleared. I assisted James by walking him through the steps for both of these tasks
as he wrote down the directions. This AT application has been tested twice with the cable
box red message light. During the first attempt, we discovered the written instructions did
not work because he had thrown away the instructions when he threw out a completed task
list. With assistance, he rewrote the instructions, adding in large letters across the top of each
sheet what the instructions are for (Cell Voicemail and Cable Red Light) and placed them in
the inside pocket of the binder separate from his daily task list. The one attempt at using this
device since he has rewritten them worked minimally because the directions he wrote were
very sketchy and not clear enough. Since then, I have written the instructions in simple, clear
steps, but with more specific details. Because James has continued to try to use this device, it
is promising that he will be able to successfully integrate it into his routine.
6.7 Conclusions
The cognitive therapist has multiple responsibilities, but one key fundamental role is the
assessment of cognitive functioning and deriving means of ensuring that individuals
achieve enhanced functioning, performance of activities, and successful participation in
desired life roles and situations. Assistive and cognitive support technologies can greatly
facilitate this achievement, but only if the selected technologies are well-matched to the
individual's preferences, priorities, and needs.
Summary of the Chapter
Consistent with the biopsychosocial approach and the ICF framework, the role of the cog-
nitive therapist focuses on the totality of cognitive, emotional/behavioral, and psychoso-
cial functioning of the individual to enhance that person's functioning, community living,
and social participation. Testing and measurement are key elements, as is behavioral
cognitive therapy. Personal assistance and support from technologies, as well as environ-
mental restructuring and the use of cognitive and behavioral strategies, are all important
resources, but they require a selection process to facilitate appropriate matching of person
and support.
