PDA-Enabled Job Coaching

PDA-Enabled Job Coaching for Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury

An Online Guide at Virginia Commonwealth University sponsored by

The Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative

This guide is designed to help you learn how to use handheld computers as cognitive aids for your job coaching clients. If you are a Virginia-based job coach working under a contract with the Department of Rehabilitative Services, please contact us to learn how to participate in our research project, and to receive additional materials to assist you in using this guide. Wherever you work, we hope that you will find this guide useful. Please let us know about your own experiences in using assistive technology for your clients with cognitive impairment. This is a new and growing field, and we all have a lot to learn from each other.

How to Use this Guide

This step-by-step guide explores the many ways that handheld computers can be used as cognitive aids. The case studies on this page briefly describe Virginians who have found PDAs useful. The guide then provides a history of computer use in cognitive rehabilitation, followed by tutorials on basic PDAs, the use of handheld devices as cognitive aids and the use of disability-specific add-on software to provide additional support for your clients. A catalog of currently-available PDAs and software is included, along with resources and links for further reading.

Noah CannonA high school student with Asperger's Syndrome, epilepsy and other conditions, Noah has learned to use a Palm T5 with an external keyboard and wireless access as a task reminder, homework tool and communication device. Since he began using the PDA in school, his grades have markedly improved and he is in more mainstreamed classes than before. See a video interview with Noah and his mom.

Teddie BowenCognitive impairment related to a brain hemmorhage had forced this nurse out of work for six years. Using a Sony Clie PDA as a task prompter and organizer, she now has begun volunteering as a nursing aide in preparation for job training. See a video interview.

David Gilbertson A burst brain aneurysm ended his work as a landscape architect and univerity professor, leaving attention and memory deficits that make independent living difficult. Trained to use a Palm Zire 31, Dr. Gilbertson now lives on his own and is studying computer aided design in order to resume his work. See a video interview.

Michael KinnardAfter a brain tumor resection, this police officer's working memory was no longer intact. He forgot important elements of his daily routine, including taking his medications, going to appointments, and even eating meals. Provided with training in how to use a Timex Data Link watch as a reminder system, MK is now able to live independently and is undergoing job coaching. In addition to his reminder watch, he now uses a GPS-enabled PDA to help him find his way to work. See a video interview.