Overview
A partnership between a local Aging and Disability Resource Center, Area Agency on Aging, and Texas Technology Access Program was forged to reduce isolation in older adults, caregivers, and persons with disabilities. Smart Technology Kits containing communication/ connection devices, smart home technologies, and telehealth equipment were created to connect consumers and decrease loneliness. The social need and how it was met via the collaborative project will be discussed. In addition, suggestions for identifying agencies and creating partnerships to make a greater impact will be provided.
Content Disclosure: This session is focused on Smart Technology Kits and other resources developed by a partnership between a local Aging and Disability Resource Center, Area Agency on Aging, and Texas Technology Access Program. There will be limited or no information provided about similar projects or case studies.
Learning Objectives
- Identify two detrimental health concerns associated with social isolation in older adults.
- Describe two ways technology can decrease social isolation.
- Identify two organizations for potential partnerships for positive community impact.
Primary & Secondary Strands
Assistive Technology for Physical Access and Participation; Leadership
Target Audience
- Accessibility Professional
- AT Specialists
- Caregivers
- Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities
- Disability Services
- Family Members
- Government/Non-Profit Agencies
- Speech-Language Pathologists
Experience Level
Introductory
Primary Life Cycle Addressed
Adult/Senior
Session Delivery Format
In-person presentation with recording
Course Schedule
This course was given at the ATIA 2022 Conference on Thursday, Jan 27: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM (EST)
Continuing Education Credits
For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Learning Center CEUs
This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours.
ASHA CE Information: Recorded Session
Start date of ASHA CEUs offering: August 15, 2022.
End date of ASHA CEUs offering: April 30, 2023.
This course was offered for 0.10 ASHA CEUs. (Introductory level.)
This course was approved by CRCC for CRC CEUs and was included in the ATIA CRC AT for Physical Access and Participation Series (2023-2024). This series offering was available from March 20, 2023, through March 19, 2024.
Speaker/s:
Anita Swanson
Texas Technology Access Program, Project Coordinator
Biography
Dr. Anita L. Swanson is the Project Coordinator at Texas Technology Access Program at the University of Texas at Austin, USA. There, she coordinates 15 assistive technology demonstration centers across the state of Texas. Additionally, Dr. Swanson frequently presents across the United States and internationally on a wide range of topics. Often, she provides in-services to classroom teachers about how to successfully integrate students with unique learning needs into their classrooms. She has published in several journals including the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives, Music Therapy Today, Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, Australian Journal of Music Therapy, Music and Medicine, and International Journal of School and Educational Psychology. Her book Treatment Planning for Music Therapy Cases is available from Sarsen Publishing. For over twenty years, Dr. Swanson has served a plethora of populations, including intensive work with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and all ages of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many of Dr. Swanson’s research studies stem from her practice and service work. Thus, her research interests include communication (including Augmentative and Alternative Communication), interprofessional education and training, and music therapy and its development in different cultures. She currently serves as President of the World Federation of Music Therapy.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Anita is employed by the Texas Technology Access Program. Receives royalties from her book Treatment Planning for Music Therapy Cases which is available from Sarsen Publishing
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
She currently serves as President of the World Federation of Music Therapy.
Siena Lindemann, MA
Capital Area Council of Governments, Assistant Director, Aging Services
Biography
Siena Lindemann currently serves as Assistant Director, Aging Services at the Capital Area Council of Governments. As such, she supervises the day-to-day operations of the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and supports the work of the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area in a 10-county region surrounding Austin TX. In this position, she is responsible for coordinating partnerships between agencies serving persons with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers, as well as supervising the agency information and referral services in both urban and rural environments. Prior to working in the Capital region, she implemented and administered travel training and mobility programs, state veteran transportation grants, Medicare benefits counseling, care coordination, and the ADRC in the San Antonio region for seven years. This experience including presenting on mobility programs at several national Association of Area Agency on Aging (n4a) conferences. Ms. Lindemann’s background also includes ensuring diverse and inclusive adult development and learning programs as the Adult Development Manager for Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, coordinating leadership programs for 8,000 paid and volunteer staff throughout a 21-county area. Prior to moving to Texas, Ms. Lindemann supervised social services for sixteen years as a station manager with American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces on military installations world-wide. She has a MA in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio and serves a Board member for the Texas affiliate of the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, and running.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
I am employed by the Capital Area Council of Governments as a full-time regular employee, as Assistant Director, Aging Services and receive a salary as an exempt employee for this work. I have not received any other fees, royalties, personal grants or honorariums within the last three years (2019, 2020, and 2021)
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
I am a board member of the Texas Alliance for Information and Referral Systems.