1 January 23, 2014 MATP Staff Assistive Technology to Help Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

2  A disability justice movement working to transform communities.  Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program  MDRC’s Web Page: MDRC’s Web Page:  Contact Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)

3  Managing Stress  Getting Healthy  Saving Money/Managing Debt  Getting Organized  Quitting Bad Habits Assistive Tech For

4  50% of the population makes New Year’s resolutions  People who make resolutions are more likely (10x) to make positive changes  Did you make any New Year’s resolutions for 2014? The Good News!

5  People tend to set resolutions based on outcome not on the activity to achieve it.  People become overwhelmed and discouraged.  Lack of both support and accountability.  Believing it is about willpower alone  Failure diminishes confidence. Why We Fail

6  Combine the behavior (save money) with the skill needed to achieve it (stick to a budget)  Use don’t vs. can’t (I don’t want to risk my life by smoking vs. I can’t smoke)  Have support buddies  Be human, allow failure Tips to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

7  Make your resolutions S.M.A.R.T.  Set one resolution instead of many  Take small steps  Reward yourself often  Get help from assistive technology! More Tips

8  Relaxation and Meditation Apps  White Noise Machines  Apps and Music to help with Sleep  Lightbox to help with sleep  Fidget Toys  Software to simplify your computer screen AT for Managing Stress

9  FitBit, Upband and Pebble SmartWatch  Take a Break Reminder Apps  Medication Reminders/Devices  Talking Pedometer  Talking scale (body and kitchen) blood pressure cuff, glucometer AT for Getting Healthy

10  Rocker knives and utensils (can be used one-handed)  Pivot/angled knives  Stabilizing cutting board  Cordless can opener  Cutting guides AT for Healthy Food Prep

11  Microwavable Cookware/Steamers  Adaptive Peelers  Plate guards, built up plates, scooper dishes  Picture-Based Cookbooks AT For Healthy Food Prep 2

12  Bill Organization  Budgeting  Low Tech:  Envelope systems  Bill Management books  Bill/mail organizers  Locking cash box  Automation (Payments, deposits, etc.) AT for Money Management

13  Reminder systems  Budgeting software  Online budgeting systems/apps AT for Money Management 2

14  Check writing template  Portable money Brailler  Talking Calculator  Money identifying devices/apps Low Vision Tools For Money Management

15  Fridge Binz  Urbio™ Magnetic Modular System Components  Style Station Organize  Sock Tuckers  Laundry Folding Board  Labeling apps and PenFriend AT for Getting Organized

16  Color Identifiers  Cord Organizers  Spinning Desk Organizer  To-Do Lists (apps and online)  Livescribe Pen  Evernote, Other notes apps Organization

17  Raise awareness, identify triggers, replace habits  Large Rubber band on your wrist  General apps to help change habits Devices which provide prompts at intervals, such as the “Motivaider” Habit specific apps AT for Quitting Bad Habits

18  (800)    Blog:  Twitter: MIAssistTech Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP)

19 “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” – Vincent van Gogh Final Thought