Activities and interim outcomes of a multi-site development project to promote cognitive support technology use and employment success among postsecondary students with traumatic brain injuries

Issue title: Assistive Technologies for Cognition/Cognitive Support Technologies

Guest editors: Marcia J. Scherer and Stefano Federici

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hendricks, Deborah J.^{a; *} | Sampson, Elaine^a | Rumrill, Phillip^b | Leopold, Anne^c | Elias, Eileen^c | Jacobs, Karen^d | Nardone, Amanda^d | Scherer, Marcia^e | Stauffer, Callista^b

Affiliations: [a] West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA | [b] Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA | [c] JBS International, Inc., North Bethesda, MD, USA | [d] Boston University, Boston, MA, USA | [e] University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Deborah J. Hendricks, PO Box 6080, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6080, USA. Tel.: +1 304 293 7186/Ext. 160; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: BACKGROUND:This article describes the activities and interim outcomes of a multi-site development project called Project Career, designed to promote cognitive support technology (CST) use and employment success for college and university students with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). OBJECTIVES:To obtain early intervention results from participants in Project Career’s first 18 months of operation. METHODS:Fifty-six students with TBI have participated to date across three implementation sites in Massachusetts, Ohio, and West Virginia, with 25 of these participants being military veterans. Descriptive analyses provide information regarding the participants, the barriers they face due to their TBI in obtaining a post-secondary education, and the impact services provided by Project Career have had to date in ameliorating those difficulties. Inferential statistical analyses provide preliminary results regarding program effectiveness. RESULTS:Preliminary results indicate the program is encouraging students to use CST strategies in the form of iPads and cognitive enhancement applications (also known as ‘apps’). Significant results indicate participants are more positive, independent, and social; participants have a more positive attitude toward technology after six months in the program; and participants reported significantly improved experiences with technology during their first six months in the program. CONCLUSION:Participating students are actively preparing for their careers after graduation through a wide range of intensive vocational supports provided by project staff members.

Keywords: Cognitive support technology, traumatic brain injury

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-151273

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 449-458, 2015