A Promising Partnership
In early 2024, Abilia was thrilled to engage with representatives from the Renfrewshire Learning Disability Service during the Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference (OTAC) in Glasgow. This initial encounter paved the way for a collaborative effort, spearheaded by Renfrewshire’s Lead Occupational Therapist, Kripa MacAllister, which included a series of presentations and training events focused on Abilia's Cognitive Assistive TEC.
Tailored Support for Daily Life
Working closely with the Renfrewshire Learning Disability team and support groups, the first trial for Steven was designed. Meetings with Steven's parents, Barry and Clare, and his support team were pivotal in discussing his daily challenges and determining the most effective approach.
"We were optimistic that using the Abilia MEMOplanner could assist Steven in coping better with his daily activities," said Barry, reflecting on the team’s enthusiasm.
A Successful Trial
The trial proved to be a resounding success. The MEMOplanner is now an integral part of Steven's daily routine, helping to instill structure and predictability. “The MEMOplanner has reduced Steven’s anxieties, allowing him to engage more interactively with each activity and transition seamlessly to the next,” Clare explains.
Navigating Daily Life with Visual Support
Steven, who has autism and a learning disability, often finds verbal communication challenging and struggles to grasp the concept of time. The visual aspect of the MEMOplanner has become a crucial tool for him. “Having this visual reassurance of his daily activities has made transitioning from one task to another much less stressful,” Clare notes.
Steven’s active involvement in his daily planning—choosing graphics and ensuring activities are “checkable”—has fostered a sense of agency. He eagerly waits beside the board, ready to check off tasks as soon as the alarm goes off, eager to move on to the next activity.
Keeping Families Connected
For Barry and Clare, the convenience of having the MEMOplanner app on their phones has been transformative. “It allows us to access Steven’s schedule and stay connected to his routines even on days we aren’t together,” they remarked.
Observations from Steven’s Parents
The positive changes in Steven's life have been notable:
- “Steven can wait longer now.”
- “He can tell us what he wants in his day.”
- “We feel reassured, getting him through each day.”
- “Prompting is less necessary; he’s even started asking us for bedtime.”
The parents expressed a wish that they had discovered the MEMOplanner sooner: “We don’t know the full extent of its impact, but we know there is one. We were in control; now he is.”
Insight from Steven’s Support Team
Steven's support team echoed the parents' sentiments, praising the effectiveness of the MEMOplanner:
- "Staff feel confident using it; it's great.”
- “Steven is young and adaptable; technology is the way forward."
- "He responds positively, makes choices, and plans his day with reassurance."
Empowering Independence
Since receiving his MEMOplanner, Steven has moved into supported accommodation, where he maintains his independence. “Now, he can manage a week of planning instead of just a day,” his parents shared, highlighting the significant strides he has made.
As Steven continues to engage with the MEMOplanner, which allows him to communicate and choose his activities, both his family and support team remain optimistic about the benefits it offers. With alarms prompting him to make his cup of tea or engage in other tasks, Steven's newfound independence is a testament to the power of assistive technology.
Abilia’s MEMOplanner has not only enriched Steven’s daily routine but has also strengthened family connections and instilled confidence in his team, creating a brighter, more independent future for this remarkable young man.
