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February 5, 2025

Ibo's story: From book calendar to the Independo app

Julia KruselburgerJulia Kruselburger
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Ibo uses the sign "cool” to describe his new digital calendar (©Miriam Schultz)

The Independo app was developed to help people with learning difficulties to organize their everyday lives more independently. In order to enable users to customize the app, 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 app

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 app,” say the assistants.

Ibo uses the Independo app together with assistants (©Miriam Schultz)

Getting started with the Independo app

When the app was installed on his cell phone, he was immediately impressed. After briefly using the app, 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 app 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 app and ensure that it offers exactly what users need,” emphasizes Konstantin Strümpf, co-founder of Independo.

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Julia KruselburgerJulia Kruselburger
Julia is studying Biomedical Engineering at TU Wien and has worked with assistive technologies as part of her studies. She has also taken part in numerous inclusive summer camps herself.

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