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January 23, 2014

MATP Staff

Assistive Technology to Help Keep Your New Year’s

Resolutions

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A disability justice movement working to transform communities.

Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program

MDRC’s Web Page: www.mymdrc.org Contact mdrc@mymdrc.org

Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)

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Managing StressGetting HealthySaving Money/Managing DebtGetting OrganizedQuitting Bad Habits

Assistive Tech For

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Microwavable Cookware/Steamers

Adaptive Peelers Plate guards, built up plates,

scooper dishes Picture-Based Cookbooks

AT For Healthy Food Prep 2

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Bill Organization Budgeting Low Tech:

Envelope systems Bill Management books Bill/mail organizers Locking cash box

Automation (Payments, deposits, etc.)

AT for Money Management

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Reminder systemsBudgeting software Online budgeting

systems/apps

AT for Money Management 2

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Check writing template Portable money Brailler Talking Calculator Money identifying

devices/apps

Low Vision Tools For Money Management

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Fridge Binz Urbio™ Magnetic Modular

System Components Style Station Organize Sock Tuckers Laundry Folding Board Labeling apps and PenFriend

AT for Getting Organized

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

Organization

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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

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(800) 760-4600 www.mymdrc.org mdrc@mymdrc.org Blog:

http://www.miassisttech.org/mdrcat/ Twitter: MIAssistTech

Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP)

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

Final Thought