Driven Digital unAwards 2015
Runner up Most outstanding digital inclusion initiative
We know that many people who could benefit from digital tools and services just aren’t able to because they face digital exclusion. This category celebrates initiatives that go the extra mile to help everyone benefit from digital technologies.iPad engAGE – is a project, inclusive of all older people with a specific interest in older people living with Dementia or who are isolated. iPad engAGE uses a creative model to distinguish which level of apps should be used for that specific individual and innovatively designs a programme of workshops. Traditional art forms, include music, poetry, visual arts and dance.
Website: www.ipad-engage.blogspot.co.uk
More about iPad Engage
In 2011, Claire Ford carried out a prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship around the USA, looking at how the arts can transform the lives of those living with Dementia. During that time, it became very apparent that ‘Art is like chocolate for the brain’. There is no right or wrong answer, it is free form expression and a place where you can explore your self and inner feelings with you leading the process.
As a visual artist, working in dementia care settings, Claire was finding it very difficult to engage older people with just one specific art form. It became apparent that the more art forms (music, visual arts, poetry, dance) and senses that are stimulated at once, the more the individual can make sense of the world that they live in. This links very closely with which part of the brain is affected with Dementia and how as artists, we can best respond creatively. At present, there are seven artists working on the project with mixed disciplines using the iPad engAGE model to best respond. Everything we did traditionally, whether it was pottery, glass blowing, exercises, poetry writing – we now do on the iPad with pre-existing applications.
We have recently worked with a resident who was very against using technology, but by developing a relationship and continuity, we were able to design his needs in a person-centred manner with the iPad engAGE model. His life interest was always music, so he recorded his favourite songs, created new music compositions and designed his CD cover all on the iPad, through which he is now selling and promoting his album. It transformed his life and his story is a great advocate for the project. This is just one positive result of many
iPad engAGE has many many benefits which include: digital inclusion for older people; connecting the older and younger generations; enables choice; and engaging people in new or lost skills. Most importantly the iPad is a way of communicating through imagery, music and touch, which enables us to accommodate and listen to individuals living with Dementia. We now strive to work with as many care providers as possible, innovatively engaging older people on iPad technology through iPad engAGE. Why shouldn’t older people be at the forefront of technology?