The Independo Calendar was developed to help people with learning difficulties organize their everyday lives more independently. To enable users to customize the Calendar, we attach great importance to their feedback. The experience of Mr. Ibo E., a 50-year-old client from a residential home, is a great example of this.
From the Pictogenda calendar to the Independo Calendar
Mr. Ibo E. began his journey with a weekly schedule on the kitchen door. Two years later, he used the Vielfalter and Pictogenda calendar, which helped him to become more mobile and independent in his communication. This calendar was a faithful companion and was used a lot - however, a book calendar has one disadvantage - you always need an extra bag for it.
“Mr. Ibo E. is confident in using his smartphone, so it was only natural to introduce him to the Independo Calendar,” say the assistants.
Ibo uses the Independo Calendar together with assistants (©Miriam Schultz)
Getting started with the Independo Calendar
When the Independo Calendar was installed on his cell phone, he was immediately impressed. After briefly using the Calendar, he said: “I don’t need the book calendar anymore, the app is much cooler!” The relatives and assistants also found the switch useful, as a digital calendar on the cell phone is more practical and easier to integrate into everyday life. Mr. E. explores the various functions of the Independo Calendar together with his assistants and is becoming increasingly confident in using it independently. Shortly after the installation in June 2024, a video was recorded in which he shows his enthusiasm with a smile and the gesture “cool”. Two months later, another video shows him entering an appointment with the help of his assistant.
A step in the right direction
“Mr. Ibo E.’s experience shows that AAC apps can be great aids in everyday life if they allow for individual adaptation. Ibo’s feedback - and that of those around him - is invaluable to us as we continue to develop the Independo Calendar and ensure that it offers exactly what users need,” emphasizes Konstantin Strümpf, co-founder of Independo.
