LibGuides: Depression: Common Assistive Technologies

What are assistive technologies?

The Technology Related Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 described an assistive technology device as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."

Assistive technologies can be "high tech" and "low tech:" from canes and lever doorknobs to voice recognition software and augmentative communication devices (speech generating devices).

Mobile and Web Applications

What'sMyM3
What'sMyM3 allows you to track your mood disorder with 3 minute assessments. The tracking is useful for telling you when you need to speak with a health professional
Depression CBT
Depression CBT is an Android application that allows you to track your mood, keep a cognitive thought diary, and provides articles about depression and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Breathe2Relax
Designed by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, this app is a portable stress management tool. Breathe2Relax helps you calm the "fight or flight" response anxiety disorders cause by utilizing diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
Headspace
The Headspace application can help reduce anxiety and stress and improve well-being by guiding users through meditation sessions.
MoodTrack Diary
This app allows you to track your moods freely and rate them from 1-5. Moods are displayed in a timeline, which makes it easy to visualize your mood cycles. Also available is the chance to connect and support others who use the app.
eMoods Moods Charting
eMoods is specifically geared towards bipolar disorder. It allows you to track your highs and lows, sleep, medications, and other symptoms related to bipolar disorder. You can email a report to your doctor or therapist at the end of every month so they can better identify your triggers and understand your mood cycles.

Employees with Depression

Accommodation Ideas for Depression
The Job Accommodation Center provides guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. This page lists resources for effective accommodations for employees with depression or other mental health problems.

Finding Assistive Technology

EduTopia: Assistive Technology
Discover websites, blog posts, articles, and videos related to understanding, selecting, and assessing assistive technology.