At IPAT, we work with many people who have difficulty capturing information in a calendar/planner or reading back what they wrote due to memory loss, reading/writing difficulties, or auditory comprehension problems.  One solution we have found to work for people with these issues is to use the LiveScribe SmartPen (Echo or Sky WiFi) and create a talking calendar or planner system.

As many of you know, a SmartPen syncs audio recordings with any markings on special Dot Paper.  It allows one to go back and touch those images or words on the paper and playback what was said when they were created, right on the pen itself .

This principle can also be applied to a calendar/planner made with the special Dot Paper. For example, the individual could bring their talking planner out when their teacher is giving the assignment, hit the record symbol, and draw a mark or write a word in the calendar and capture exactly what the teacher said.   They would be able to playback that recording when they get home.

Below are three ways to create a talking calendar or planner with the special Dot Paper.

• LiveScribe Notebooks: Draw a planner or calendar by hand, right on the standard Dot Paper Notebooks that come with the Smartpens.

• Ready-Made Calendar/Planner Sheets–these planner sheets available for purchase from Serious Tangents, come in a variety of calendar/planner styles and are all ready to use.

• Free Printable Dot Paper and Templates A talking planner/calendar can be created using free LiveScribe printable paper and a free Microsoft Word Calendar or Planner template.
  • Go to: http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/support/wifi-smartpen/howto/print_dot_paper.html
  • Download,  open, and print one of the free printable notebooks.
  • In Microsoft Word, open your favorite planner template-free from the company.
  • Insert the LiveScribe notebook paper you just printed back into your printer. (Make sure it is facing the side that will be printed on.)
  • Print and use! ­­­­

 Here are some examples of how this works:

• SmartPen Talking Calendar with Free Livescribe Paper and Microsoft Calendar Template

• SmartPen Talking Calendar using the LiveScribe Journal Notebook

Let us know how it works for you!