MyScript for Livescribe Pen

Are you familiar with the Livescribe Pulse SmartPen?

The pen allows you to record audio that is sync'd to your handwritten notes as you write in the specialized notebook. Pretty cool technology!

Well......now it just got a little cooler.

MyScript is an app for the Pulse SmartPen that will enable users to translate their written text into digital text. Think of the possibilities - any handwritten notes can be converted into digital text. Then this digital text can be read aloud by any text to speech software program. Now struggling readers can hear both the audio recordings of the note taking session AND the audio of the notes themselves.

MyScript costs $29.95 but is now available as a 30-day free trial.

If you have a Pulse SmartPen, check it out. I know I am. I will report back on the features of this tool as I move through my trial.

Boost Brain Function with Online Games

Since it is Traumatic Brain Injury Month, we’d like to introduce an online brain training resource. Lumosity features many games and courses to help boost brain function. Tracks include games for improving memory, promoting faster thinking, increasing problem solving ability and ensuring peak performance.
Registering with the website, which bills itself as the web’s number one destination for cognitive training, is free and provides limited access to the site's services. There is also a premium level of membership for a fee. Lumosity also has a downloadable app for the iPhone.

Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month

March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we will have helpful hints, tips/tricks and resources that may help an individual that has a TBI or other disability. If you have a loved one with a TBI and you have something that you find helpful for them, PLEASE share. Something you share may change a person’s life.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)? According to the CDC a TBI is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.

Some individuals with a TBI have difficulty with memory. It is hard to remember things from the past such as telephone numbers, important dates such as birthdays or anniversaries or remember when the last time they ate. It can also be difficult to remember things that will happen in the future such as when to take medications, appointments or their favorite show. It is a very frustrating not remembering how to do activities and routines; done effortless and mindless at one time.

Everyone forgets things but individuals with memory difficulties from a TBI, stroke or other disorder that affects memory forget thing more frequently. Typically, long-term memory is not affected it is the short-term memory.

Long-term memory is the ability to recall events, experiences, information, or skills that occurred or was acquired in the distant past. So childhood memories are typically not affected.

Short – term memory is brief retention of information that is currently being processed in a person's mind.


Ways to improve memory


1) Set up a memory place: Choose a permanent spot such as a drawer, basket or table for things such as glasses, pocketbook, keys, and lists.

2) Write things down in a journal that you carry with you in your purse or pocket. You can do this in a spiral notebook, your phone or voice recorder.

3) Photo Album is a great way to give visual reminders of things to do, sequence of refresh a memory.

4) Checklist of things to do or for an activity. If this is something you need to reuse you can laminate it so you can wipe it off.

5) Use labels to show you where objects are located or go.

6) Use a pill organizer to organize your medications for the week, part of the day or month. If you have medications, you need to take during the day, carry a small pill carrier in your pocketbook or lunch bag.

7) If you have a difficult time remembering when to take medications or getting out the door on time, you can use your cell phone, kitchen timer or watch to remind you.

8) If you have access to a cell phone, email or have an answering machine, send yourself a message especially if it is something you have to do later when you get home. For example, “remember to give the dog his heart pill”.

9) Use a calendar to keep track of events and things you have to do. Color-coding things often helps. Red for doctors, Blue for work, Yellow for Fun activities.

10) Sticky Notes: keep them handy. You can jot a note and post it on the steering wheel, on your car keys or the bathroom mirror.