WIHD & AbleLink Technologies Announce Availability of My Health, My Choice, My Responsibility for the iPad
April 13, 2011
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The Westchester Institute for Human Development and AbleLink Technologies recently announced the release of My Health, My Choice, My Responsibility, a cognitively accessible self-directed learning App covering eight important topics necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The App is the result of a partnership between AbleLink and the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD), a leader in promoting health for individuals with special needs - particularly those with significant health disparities. My Health, My Choice, My Responsibility is designed to be used directly by persons with special needs, in order to learn about healthy living in a self-directed manner, or as part of a group learning activity facilitated by an instructor using the Trainer's Manual.
My Health, My Choice, My Responsibility is a training program developed at WIHD in collaboration with the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS), and was written by Marilyn Vitale, Mitchell Levitz, and Daniel Crimmins. The purpose of the project is to help individuals with developmental disabilities make healthy choices and to learn to speak up for good health.
The training program consists of eight sessions in which learners can watch a video covering the selected health topic, review a "Things to Remember" list using AbleLink's AIMS task format, and complete a short survey to test their knowledge using AbleLink's cognitively accessible testing system, ATLAS (patent pending). Three additional health tools are available online for use with the system: My Medical Appointment Health Information Form (a record of personal health needs and history), and My Health Plan (a listing of goals developed during the seminar). Users and learning facilitators can download these forms at http://www.ablelinktech.com/myhealth for use with the My Health, My Choice, My Responsibility App (a form to help prepare for medical appointments).
Session titles include:
- Taking Charge of Your Health
- Develop a Health Plan
- Be a Health Self-Advocate
- Get Moving
- Eat Right
- Be Healthy at Home
- Feel Good About Yourself and Others
- Stay on Track
My Health, My Choice, My Responsibility joins AbleLink's growing family of iPad/iPhone applications designed to be used by individuals with special needs. For other cognitively accessible titles from AbleLink, visit Apple's App store and search for "AbleLink Technologies."
Pricing/Purchase in iPhone App Store
My Health, My Choice, My Responsibility is available now in the iPad App store at the introductory price of $49.99.
About the estchester Institute for Human Development
The Westchester Institute for Human Development is one of 67 University-affiliated centers dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through education, service, and research. The Insititue works to advance policies and practices that ensure the health and self-determination among people of all ages with disabilities, and the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.
For more than 50 years, WIHD has been a key regional resource supporting children and adults with disabilities including autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, neurological and cognitive disabilities, hearing and vision problems, and speech/language delays. WIHD's services, which often follow a child throughout his or her lifespan, include comprehensive medical and dental care programs, and education and support services.
Dr. Ansley Bacon is the President and CEO of WIHD. "Our efforts are guided by a vision in which people living with disabilities and vulnerable children fully participate in society, live healthy and productive lives, and have access to services and supports, emerging technologies, competent professionals and caring families."
Contact:
Holly Stevens
WIHD
914.493.6851
About AbleLink Technologies
AbleLink Technologies, (www.ablelinktech.com) has been a pioneer in the field of cognitive support technology since 1997. Daniel K. Davies, Founder and President, began working in the area of cognitive technology in 1991, developing straightforward electronic task-prompting systems for individuals with intellectual disabilities. During the past 13 years AbleLink has received over 60 grant awards for research and development of technology for individuals with cognitive disabilities, as well as for technologies to support seniors with aging in place.
Mr. Davies has received numerous accolades for cognitive technology leadership, including the prestigious 2006 Katherine M. Swanson Equality Award from the Tech Museum of Innovation and the 2004 Leadership Award from the Technology and Media Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Today, AbleLink provides an array of desktop and mobile applications that allow individuals with intellectual and other cognitive disabilities, or those with age-related conditions, to access many everyday technologies, including cell phones, email, and the internet. AbleLink's extensive research and development work has resulted in cognitive support technologies that promote self determination and independence on the job, in the home, at school, and in the community.
Contact:
Rich Herold
AbleLink Technologies
719.592.0347, Ext. 121
