Think-andLink:

E-mail for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities

Think-and-Link is a Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project funded by NIDRR on October 1, 2001. Dr. McKay Moore Sohlberg, Principal Investigator, is associate professor in the communication disorders and sciences program at the University of Oregon. The following project information was excerpted from the Think-and-Link Web site: http://www.think-and-link.org/

The project's goal is to promote universal access to electronic communication. It would mean that people with brain injuries could use this technology to use E-mail and stay connected with friends and relatives. While E-mail is a major source of connection for persons without disabilities, its potential to provide social connection for persons with acquired cognitive disabilities is completely unexplored. Virtually nothing is known about what modifications are required when the E-mail user has difficulties in memory, attention, problem solving and language. Our project is motivated by the lack of research on a potentially rich source of social connection.

This five-year project recognizes that the development and evaluation of assistive technology for people with cognitive disabilities requires a partnership among experts in computer science, rehabilitation professionals and individuals living with the effects of cognitive disabilities. Our researchers represent each of these groups and are using a collaborative research model to ensure the expertise of all is utilized in the development of our E-mail technology. We also understand the importance of examining E-mail use in the natural environment in order to develop appropriate supports.

The project's scope of work includes three specific products:

(1) a "cyberevaluation" or diagnostic protocol to identify the supports needed for an individual with cognitive disability to engage in E-mail;

(2) a set of software E-mail tools that can adapt E-mail to the needs of individual users; and

(3) a virtual clinic that allows cognitive rehabilitation professionals to utilize the materials with clients who have potential to benefit from E-mail access.

For additional information, contact Dr. Sohlberg: mckay@oregon.uoregon.edu

Source:
http://www.think-and-link.org/ 

http://www.think-and-link.org/researchers/goals.shtml 

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