Cognitive Barriers to Mainstream Mobile Computing Devices in Neurorehabilitation

Mobile computing provides potential to compensate for disability and increase participation for people with cognitive impairment (Gartland, 2004). A series of trials have found technological aids to be useful in neurorehabilitation (e.g. Culley & Evans, 2010; Kim, Burke, Dowds, Robinson Boone & Park, 2000; Mackie, Leathem & Babbage, 2008; van den Broek, Downes, Johnson, Dayus & Hilton, 2000; Wade & Troy, 2001; Wilkomm & LoPresti, 1997; Wilson, Emslie, Quirk, Evans & Watson, 2005; Wright et al., 2001). However, with advancing mobile computing technology societal expectations for ubiquitous instantaneous access to information are growing, which could expand disability for people with brain injuries into areas of functioning that did not previously exist. Developing mobile computing devices that adapt to the cognitive and physical capacities of the user will assist people with neurodisability. I argue a cognition-aware universal design approach to devices intended for mainstream distribution is desirable for all. When people with neurodisability use off-the-shelf products they will be positioned to benefit from future technological developments. Meanwhile, cognition-aware design is likely to produce products more intuitive and accessible for people without disabilities.