Assistive Technology: FocusCalm

What is Assistive Technology? 

Assistive technology (AT) is any device, software, or equipment that is used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability, including a learning difference. Technologies include hardware, or physical technologies that are kept on-site at our AT Studio, and software, or technology available via a computer that can potentially be used from home. To learn more about why and how LDS uses AT, head to our AT webpage.

What does FocusCalm do?

Focus Calm is a wearable, brain-sensing headband and app that provide simple, scientifically developed exercises and games to train your brain to lower feelings of stress while staying alert and focused. FocusCalm monitors brain waves and other biological signals to determine levels of stress, focus, and calm. It offers simple games and guided mediation to expose the brain to various conditions and activities while striving for the FocusCalm state. LDS students benefit from FocusCalm as they practice gaining control over their mindset and improve their mental health. LDS students can download the FocusCalm app or visit our AT Studio to try it out for themselves.  

FocusCalm features:

• Focus Calm headband measures brain activity to provide immediate feedback in easy-to-understand numerical scores. Combined with the app, it scores mental activities from 0 (most active) to 100 (most calm) and the goal is to complete the activity while keeping the score as high as possible. 
• FocusCalm is designed to track long-term progress to ensure users get the most out of their meditation practice. The FocusCalm app provides daily challenges, brain games, and guided meditation that improve the ability to regain focus and remain calm—especially important for students who may feel overstimulated or overwhelmed with learning materials.  
• FocusCalm also offers a Tracker so the mental state can be monitored during any activity.

How can my child access FocusCalm?

We offer FocusCalm as part of our AT Studio, a space dedicated to the collaborative use of leading-edge AT to help our students with learning differences. To learn more about how your child can benefit, email our AT Manager at AT@ldsociety.ca.