What if the device breaks?
All computers "freeze" from time to time. On a desktop computer, you type CONTROL-ALT-DELETE to reboot the system. PDAs don't have those keys. Instead, they all come with a tiny hole on the back, just large enough to insert the tip of a paper clip. If the PDA screen freezes, all you have to do is stick a paper clip in the hole and pull it out. The screen unfreezes and you're back in action. No information is lost. This is called a "soft reset".
On occasion, this process does not unfreeze the screen. You may need to take other actions, called "hard resets", as outlined on the adjacent links. These other actions, however, may cause the device to lose some information. If you have backed up the PDA information to a desktop computer, however, you will be able to retrieve it easily.
There are other ways that PDAs can break, and using them on the job makes them especially liable to unusual wear-and-tear. If you leave a PDA near a heat source (radiator or stove) too long, the screen will smear , rendering the device unusable. The same thing can happen if you let the PDA get too cold. Screens can crack if kept in a pocket with car keys. And dropping a PDA on a hard floor is not a good way to keep it happy, either. If any of these things happens, the only option is replacement. Contact the study researchers immediately.
To help protect your PDA, it's a good idea to get a sturdy carrying case or belt clip holder. Some workers even wear their PDAs as a necklace on a lanyard, which helps keep hands free for work.
What if the device is lost?
Though people with cognitive impairment often misplace various items, it's more difficult to lose a PDA than you might think. Because of the reminder alarms that go off during the day, you're likely to hear an alarm and find the PDA if it has slipped between sofa cushions, for instance. It's always important to type in owner information on the PDA (in case a good Samaritan finds it). Wearing the PDA on a belt clip or lanyard helps too. Again, though, if your client loses a PDA during the study, please contact us immediately.
What if my client's needs change?
We recommend beginning your work by using a basic PDA as a reminder alarm system. This helps clients get used to the device as a part of their daily lives, and for some clients the reminder function is all they really need. But you may find that other clients can benefit from more advanced PDA functions, including the assistance provided by add-on disability-specific software. Use the accompanying flowchart to help you decide what your client needs, and the study team will provide it. If your client's needs change during the study, if you think additional features will help, or if you want to upgrade to a more full-featured system, we can help. If you are interested in building task sequencing prompts, click here.
What if my client forgets how to use the device?
It's important when training a client to use a PDA to provide step-by-step hands-on training, supplemented by any written materials that you think may help (PDAs come with PDF manuals that can be printed page-by-page, as needed). If at all possible, train a family member or caregiver too. Some employers may be willing to learn how to operate a PDA, and if so, training them can really help your client adjust to varying work conditions, since the employer can make PDA adjustments day-to-day. It's a good idea to work on PDA practice two or three times a week for at least a couple weeks, asking your client (and support personnel) to show you what he/she learned last visit, then teaching an additional feature. Gradually, as your client becomes more comfortable with the device, you can fade your supports.
Are you ready to do it?
Handheld computers and other portable devices can help people with cognitive disability perform daily activities more independently. This study is the first to examine whether they can also help job coaching clients with brain injury perform better in job placement settings. Everything we learn from this study will help you and your clients do a better job, but we need your help to make that happen.
If you are ready to get involved in this project, please contact us to get started. If you have other questions, please let us know, so we can provide answers. Your questions will help us improve this website too. We're looking forward to working with you.
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