Have a look at the Downs Syndrome Ireland website, http://www.downsyndrome.ie/, and, in particular, at this page where download access is available to an ‘internet and e-mail programme’ commissioned by Down Syndrome Ireland and developed by Multimedia Instructional Design; it is a series of interactive lessons designed specifically for teenagers with Down syndrome, to help them learn about and use the Internet easily and safely.
I have a particular interest in this programme since my grandson, Peter, is a teenager with Downs’s syndrome. Peter is lucky because both parents are advanced ICT users; nevertheless I am impressed by this programme.
As it stands or indeed a version of it would be very useful for introducing hesitant ‘seniors’ to use of Internet and e-mail.I have already introduced it to one lady in her mid-seventies who has found it very helpful!
Saturday 30 June 2007
Monday 18 June 2007
10 Conclusion
Based on observation and my experience over many years of voluntary community work, I have formed a strong belief that a government-led initiative, to involve the Senior Community with ICT, will have an immediate impact on the betterment of their lives.
Accordingly, let us start now and begin a basic system of Internet Access, followed by a second stage concerning Telecare Facilities, which will utilize existing features in use within EU, incorporating more advanced features following research.Once the basic system is up and running it will create a body of people ready to accept the more advanced technologies as they in turn come on stream.
Accordingly, let us start now and begin a basic system of Internet Access, followed by a second stage concerning Telecare Facilities, which will utilize existing features in use within EU, incorporating more advanced features following research.Once the basic system is up and running it will create a body of people ready to accept the more advanced technologies as they in turn come on stream.
9 Time to Move On About Seniors and ICT
The only way forward from here must be to assume that broadband coverage will match the requirements by the time any official government initiatives are activated.
Anyone keeping tabs on any developments during the year will no doubt recall the emergence of the Older and Bolder campaign, the aims of which are described thus in the website:
“The Older & Bolder Campaign is a joint initiative between a number of organisations who are working to achieve a better quality of life for older people throughout Ireland. These groups include Age Action Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and The Senior Help Line. The campaign also has the support of the Irish Hospice Foundation, which promotes the hospice philosophy and supports the development of hospice care. The campaign is also supported by a broad network of organisations dedicated to the provision of services, information and activities for older people.”
Up to the formation of Older and Bolder the individual organisations have been pursuing the cause separately. A position paper (Towards a National Strategy for Older People, by Professor Eamon O'Shea, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, NUI, Galway) has been prepared for the campaign (11/06) and is accessible on the website here.
The position paper is a wide-ranging document and for the purposes of this blog I have extracted some relevant items that would broadly cover the focus of this study.In particular, I am, therefore including the following in total:
“Independent Living
One of the central aims of any new National Strategy should be to promote independent living for all older people. In a nutshell, public policy should seek to ensure that older people live in their own communities for as long as possible.
In this context, action will need to be taken in relation to improving:
_ Choice and flexibility in social care provision;
_ Access to public transport – both in urban and rural areas;
_ Social connectedness to family and friends;
_ Availability of the meals-on-wheels service;
_ Availability of home help and home care services;
_ Suitable barrier-free, technology-supported housing, including sheltered accommodation with support services.
Finally, as part of the National Strategy for Older People:
_ Older people, both locally and nationally, need to be involved – through proactive consultation – in the development of the Strategy;
_ A new National Partnership Forum for Older People should be established to oversee the development and implementation of the new National Strategy for Older People;
_ A dedicated Minister for Older People and a National Older People’s Office need to be put in place to drive the implementation of the Strategy at governmental level;
_ An Ombudsman for Older People’s Office should be established to provide independent oversight.”
Again, for the purposes of this study, I have highlighted some of the key issues. Perhaps the most important item on this list is that referring to having a dedicated Minister in place to drive the Strategy, much as referred to earlier in this study regarding the extension of broadband throughout the country.
As regards a strategy for Seniors and ICT the trick is to begin immediately with basic systems and to keep it simple. In other words, it is not necessary to wait for elaborate studies and surveys; such studies belong later in a later phase concerning telecare facilities. A number of the points listed in the above extract from the Older and Bolder strategy align easily with the direction of this blog.
As regards ICT the task of the person appointed by the government can be simplified as follows:
Standard Basic System
Introduce a grant system for purchase of computers by seniors, to an established specification sufficient for their needs.
Introduce an immediate incentive for seniors to take up broadband, along the existing guidelines used for benefits such as the Telephone Rental Allowance.
Introduce a basic training schedule for seniors covering the essentials of internet access. The training given should include later access to support systems, including localized voluntary input.
Note:
From my experience in this field I would suggest that
the Citizens Information Board is currently the best
equipped to set-up and run such a system. The Position
Paper refers to the need for a ‘proactive programme of
Information Provision’, a role already a function of
this board.
Advanced systems
Again assuming by this stage there is widespread availability of broadband and a basic system is up and running it would be logical to begin having a look at telecare facilities.
The following U.K. website provides an outline of typical telecare facilities, as follows:
“Telecare services can be as simple as a telephone-based community alarm, which responds to emergencies and makes regular telephone contact to check on well-being.
According to need, telecare can also include the provision of monitors and detectors. These could be triggered when, for example, a person falls or has a seizure; or when gas or smoke is detected, so that appropriate help can be provided. Monitors can also detect such problems as intruders or bogus callers, and summon help. Technology can also help to prevent problems: for example, a spoken reminder to turn off the cooker can help prevent a kitchen fire; or a bed sensor could turn on the light when it detects a person getting out of bed in the night, thus helping to prevent a fall.
A service that is often referred to as "lifestyle monitoring" can be incorporated. Tailored to suit individual circumstances, the system relies on a series of movement sensors in strategic locations around the home, which build a log of the user's movements as they go about their daily routine. Carers can then quickly identify any changes in habitual behaviour that may be indicators of deteriorating health or increasing mental confusion.
A client's medication regime can be monitored remotely: for example, the PivoTell automatic pill dispenser has an integrated interface that enables it to link with the call centre-based services, as part of a telecare package.
A further development of telecare is telehealth or telemedicine, where the user's vital signs (such as blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar levels) can be monitored remotely, often with their collaboration. This development is important in terms of earlier hospital discharges; better management of long-term medical conditions without the need for hospitalisation; earlier warning of problems with a change of medication, for example.”
Anyone keeping tabs on any developments during the year will no doubt recall the emergence of the Older and Bolder campaign, the aims of which are described thus in the website:
“The Older & Bolder Campaign is a joint initiative between a number of organisations who are working to achieve a better quality of life for older people throughout Ireland. These groups include Age Action Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and The Senior Help Line. The campaign also has the support of the Irish Hospice Foundation, which promotes the hospice philosophy and supports the development of hospice care. The campaign is also supported by a broad network of organisations dedicated to the provision of services, information and activities for older people.”
Up to the formation of Older and Bolder the individual organisations have been pursuing the cause separately. A position paper (Towards a National Strategy for Older People, by Professor Eamon O'Shea, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, NUI, Galway) has been prepared for the campaign (11/06) and is accessible on the website here.
The position paper is a wide-ranging document and for the purposes of this blog I have extracted some relevant items that would broadly cover the focus of this study.In particular, I am, therefore including the following in total:
“Independent Living
One of the central aims of any new National Strategy should be to promote independent living for all older people. In a nutshell, public policy should seek to ensure that older people live in their own communities for as long as possible.
In this context, action will need to be taken in relation to improving:
_ Choice and flexibility in social care provision;
_ Access to public transport – both in urban and rural areas;
_ Social connectedness to family and friends;
_ Availability of the meals-on-wheels service;
_ Availability of home help and home care services;
_ Suitable barrier-free, technology-supported housing, including sheltered accommodation with support services.
Finally, as part of the National Strategy for Older People:
_ Older people, both locally and nationally, need to be involved – through proactive consultation – in the development of the Strategy;
_ A new National Partnership Forum for Older People should be established to oversee the development and implementation of the new National Strategy for Older People;
_ A dedicated Minister for Older People and a National Older People’s Office need to be put in place to drive the implementation of the Strategy at governmental level;
_ An Ombudsman for Older People’s Office should be established to provide independent oversight.”
Again, for the purposes of this study, I have highlighted some of the key issues. Perhaps the most important item on this list is that referring to having a dedicated Minister in place to drive the Strategy, much as referred to earlier in this study regarding the extension of broadband throughout the country.
As regards a strategy for Seniors and ICT the trick is to begin immediately with basic systems and to keep it simple. In other words, it is not necessary to wait for elaborate studies and surveys; such studies belong later in a later phase concerning telecare facilities. A number of the points listed in the above extract from the Older and Bolder strategy align easily with the direction of this blog.
As regards ICT the task of the person appointed by the government can be simplified as follows:
Standard Basic System
Introduce a grant system for purchase of computers by seniors, to an established specification sufficient for their needs.
Introduce an immediate incentive for seniors to take up broadband, along the existing guidelines used for benefits such as the Telephone Rental Allowance.
Introduce a basic training schedule for seniors covering the essentials of internet access. The training given should include later access to support systems, including localized voluntary input.
Note:
From my experience in this field I would suggest that
the Citizens Information Board is currently the best
equipped to set-up and run such a system. The Position
Paper refers to the need for a ‘proactive programme of
Information Provision’, a role already a function of
this board.
Advanced systems
Again assuming by this stage there is widespread availability of broadband and a basic system is up and running it would be logical to begin having a look at telecare facilities.
The following U.K. website provides an outline of typical telecare facilities, as follows:
“Telecare services can be as simple as a telephone-based community alarm, which responds to emergencies and makes regular telephone contact to check on well-being.
According to need, telecare can also include the provision of monitors and detectors. These could be triggered when, for example, a person falls or has a seizure; or when gas or smoke is detected, so that appropriate help can be provided. Monitors can also detect such problems as intruders or bogus callers, and summon help. Technology can also help to prevent problems: for example, a spoken reminder to turn off the cooker can help prevent a kitchen fire; or a bed sensor could turn on the light when it detects a person getting out of bed in the night, thus helping to prevent a fall.
A service that is often referred to as "lifestyle monitoring" can be incorporated. Tailored to suit individual circumstances, the system relies on a series of movement sensors in strategic locations around the home, which build a log of the user's movements as they go about their daily routine. Carers can then quickly identify any changes in habitual behaviour that may be indicators of deteriorating health or increasing mental confusion.
A client's medication regime can be monitored remotely: for example, the PivoTell automatic pill dispenser has an integrated interface that enables it to link with the call centre-based services, as part of a telecare package.
A further development of telecare is telehealth or telemedicine, where the user's vital signs (such as blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar levels) can be monitored remotely, often with their collaboration. This development is important in terms of earlier hospital discharges; better management of long-term medical conditions without the need for hospitalisation; earlier warning of problems with a change of medication, for example.”
Older users can be much better informed than ever before and thus increasingly take charge of their own health, fitness and independent living with the help of information on the Internet, and an ICT-enabled daily life.
Much research along these lines has taken place throughout EU and many projects are already on trial or are operating permanently.
An essential component of this research is the development of ICT products and services that will target the progressive impairments associated with age.
As an example this site ICTs supporting independent living lists a number of typical studies and applications, including some Irish projects, e.g. Age-net.
Awareness and Activity at EU level should spur further development at Irish government level. See recent EU Press Release.
Recent establishment of the TRIL Centre is encouraging in the long-term, however, as indicated previously, much can be done immediately, rather than waiting perhaps years for research results.
A survey programme among people such as public health nurses and other community workers whose work takes them in regular contact with the target clientele could implement such a service, perhaps on a pilot basis.In the long-term, a fully operational programme in the future will introduce, for authorities – cost-reductions, increased efficiencies and overall quality in health and social care systems.
Friday 8 June 2007
8 Too Many People Holding the Horse’s Head?
Here’s where I deviate from the general focus of my blog, just for a moment or two. This is prompted by a comment I overheard recently which triggered something in my memory!
Some years ago when I worked in GEC Telecommunications in Coventry I got into conversation with a Work Study Engineer, a most interesting character.
If you don’t know what they do then let me explain - they are the guys seen around production areas in factories, usually armed with a clipboard and a stopwatch; they are authorised to time operators’ actions and also in fact, to ask that most important question “what do you do?” When finally they report to management it is presumed and expected that they produce recommendations to improve production, reduce costs and so on.
Anyway, this guy proceeded to tell me about their training when he started, and recounted an example given to them by the instructor.
Visualise a mechanized army field artillery unit in operation.
There are 5 men around the unit. When asked, “what do you do?” in turn, each had what seemed a satisfactory answer e.g. one said, “ I operate the rangefinder”, while another explained “I load the breech”.
One man was observed standing stiffly to attention, slightly to one side who, when asked that most pertinent question “what is your job?” answered smartly “ I hold the horse’s head sir”.
Some years ago when I worked in GEC Telecommunications in Coventry I got into conversation with a Work Study Engineer, a most interesting character.
If you don’t know what they do then let me explain - they are the guys seen around production areas in factories, usually armed with a clipboard and a stopwatch; they are authorised to time operators’ actions and also in fact, to ask that most important question “what do you do?” When finally they report to management it is presumed and expected that they produce recommendations to improve production, reduce costs and so on.
Anyway, this guy proceeded to tell me about their training when he started, and recounted an example given to them by the instructor.
Visualise a mechanized army field artillery unit in operation.
There are 5 men around the unit. When asked, “what do you do?” in turn, each had what seemed a satisfactory answer e.g. one said, “ I operate the rangefinder”, while another explained “I load the breech”.
One man was observed standing stiffly to attention, slightly to one side who, when asked that most pertinent question “what is your job?” answered smartly “ I hold the horse’s head sir”.
Wednesday 6 June 2007
7 More Questions for a Mythical Minister
To proceed in any meaningful way regarding proposals for widespread use of ICT among Seniors, it is obvious that the whole business of infrastructure has to move forward.
Before attempting to formulate a proposal, re Seniors and ICT, for a Minister, yet to be appointed, I have a number of comments and questions for his/her consideration.
Ø Have you recognised that the extension of broadband on a purely commercial basis is piecemeal and wasteful of resources, unless each project is licensed or approved as part of an overall plan? This is probably a function of ComReg!
Ø Although the question of Local Loop Unbundling seems to have been resolved between Eircom and ComReg there is still a conflict regarding backhaul (Main Line Telecommunications) systems to support the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).
Ø Note also that MAN Press Releases which list a number of towns, about to be ducted and cabled with fibre, are misleading to the general public who assume immediate access to broadband. Such Press Releases should further state that it is a wholesale system requiring ISPs on one side and backhaul on the other.
Ø Read about Metropolitan Area Networks here
Ø Are there any guidelines for the construction industry to ensure that suitable cabling and/or ducting is provided in new housing developments to link in with the nearest MAN outlet. Such a system exists in industrial park developments such as IDA; similar systems in the domestic arena could make operation from the MAN a more attractive proposition for ISPs.
Tuesday 5 June 2007
6 If Broadband is in the School why not in the Village?
Reading back on yesterdays post, whereby all schools are to have broadband, why cant it be extended throughout the village? In most villages that I know the school is the focal point of the village!
Monday 4 June 2007
5 Lets Connect It All Together
Not so easy is it! Depends where you live!
If you are in any of the major cities you should be OK and maybe now most of the larger towns also, except outside an approximate 5 kilometre central zone, beyond that it gets somewhat of a lottery.
Begin to look at the overall situation in detail and begin to despair. It is a mishmash of systems, operating in response to commercial requirements, which of course it should do, but not giving the impression of a guided coherent coverage pattern.
My own view is that the people who populate the corridors of power are for the most part of the age group not brought up with computers in the home or indeed the school.
The following is an extract from the National Action Plan 2007 – 2016.
“NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION 2007-2016
6.4.3 Broadband
The Broadband Programme will promote the rollout of broadband across the rural economy to ensure its availability across rural Ireland. Total indicative investment over the period 2007-2013 will be €435 million To date, 27 Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) have been completed under the NDP 2000-2006 with a further 90 towns under Phase II of the MANs 2005-2007. Under the Group Broadband Scheme, over 120 projects were operational at the end of 2006 and another 10 are expected to become operational during 2007. Under the School Broadband Scheme 96.8% of schools have had broadband installed.
Funding under the Broadband Programme in future years will focus on those parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address the gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and representatives from the Communications Regulator, and will be announced in early 2007.”
Is there a Minister or a Minister of State who has overall responsibility to drive such a programme?
The ICT and Media sector's contribution to GNP is comparable if not greater than, for example, the Agricultural sector !
See complete plan here
If you are in any of the major cities you should be OK and maybe now most of the larger towns also, except outside an approximate 5 kilometre central zone, beyond that it gets somewhat of a lottery.
Begin to look at the overall situation in detail and begin to despair. It is a mishmash of systems, operating in response to commercial requirements, which of course it should do, but not giving the impression of a guided coherent coverage pattern.
My own view is that the people who populate the corridors of power are for the most part of the age group not brought up with computers in the home or indeed the school.
The following is an extract from the National Action Plan 2007 – 2016.
“NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION 2007-2016
6.4.3 Broadband
The Broadband Programme will promote the rollout of broadband across the rural economy to ensure its availability across rural Ireland. Total indicative investment over the period 2007-2013 will be €435 million To date, 27 Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) have been completed under the NDP 2000-2006 with a further 90 towns under Phase II of the MANs 2005-2007. Under the Group Broadband Scheme, over 120 projects were operational at the end of 2006 and another 10 are expected to become operational during 2007. Under the School Broadband Scheme 96.8% of schools have had broadband installed.
Funding under the Broadband Programme in future years will focus on those parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address the gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and representatives from the Communications Regulator, and will be announced in early 2007.”
Is there a Minister or a Minister of State who has overall responsibility to drive such a programme?
The ICT and Media sector's contribution to GNP is comparable if not greater than, for example, the Agricultural sector !
See complete plan here
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