Important tools for anyone but especially TBI survivors are calendars, to do lists, having information readily available (and not lost somewhere!), a list of medications, ideas for movies to rent, shopping lists, a list of questions for the doctor, a list of things to remember to do, and so much more. Being able to keep track of that information requires good organization and routine. The planners and organizers below can help you do that.

Planners and Organizers (Paper-based)

Planners and Organizers (Computer-based, PDA-based)

Planners and Organizers (Computer- and PDA-based, Paper-based)

Task Management, Notes-organizing Software

Planners and Organizers (Paper-based)

• Brain Book^®  http://www.brainbook.com/
  Specifically created for people with brain injuries, the Brain Book^® Life Management system is a daily life management system and also a compensatory skills training program.
• DayRunner  http://www.dayrunner.com/
  DayRunner offers a variety of organizers, planners, appointment books, calendars, address books, and wall organizers in a variety of organizational arrangements to suit your needs.
• DayTimer  http://www.daytimer.com/
  Similar to DayRunner, DayTimer offers a wide range of organizers, planners, appointment books, calendars, and more. Customize to your own needs.
• FranklinCovey  http://shopping.franklincovey.com/
  FranklinCovey, well-known for their quality planning and organizing solutions, offers planning and organizing solutions for paper, computer, and handhelds. Fully customizable, top-ranked.
• Spectra Planner  http://www.andovercounseling.com/spectra.htm
  A special planner developed especially for students and adults with ADD, brain injuries, or other learning/attentional problems. Utilizes visualization, logical patterning, built-in consistency, reinforcement, age-appropriate, and more.

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Recommended Books

In association with

Help Support the TBI Resources site.

Planners and Organizers (Computer-based, PDA-based)

• ActionNames Datebook  http://www.iambic.com/english/palmos/actionnames/
  Highly regarded, award-winning schedule, contacts, ToDo list program for the Palm OS. Color for text, icons, filtering, categorizing and sorting, and more. High resolution also supports the Sony NR70x PDA. Priced competitively at $24.95 By Iambic Software.
• DateBk  http://www.pimlicosoftware.com/
  by Pimlico Software for the Palm OS, and synchronizes with the Palm desktop. Calendaring/schedule, contacts, ToDo lists, and more. Their most recent DateBk5 has the most advanced calendaring features to date for the Palm OS. Colors, fonts, icons, custom alarms and repeats for ToDos and events, floating reminders, colorful category icons, linkable items, and so much more. While PDAs come with a built-in datebook, it's more than worth the $24.95 for these advanced features that I've found to be especially helpful as a TBI survivor.
• FranklinCovey  http://shopping.franklincovey.com/
  FranklinCovey, well-known for their quality planning and organizing solutions, offers planning and organizing solutions for paper, computer, and handhelds.
• Shadow Plan Handheld And Desktop 2.5  http://www.codejedi.com/shadowplan/
  Outliner, task manager, checklist, note taker, To Do list, organizer, life fixer. Very good reviews and feedback about this user-oriented software by Codejedi's Jeff Mitchell.
• Time and Chaos  http://isbister.com/chaos32.html
  Exceptional, major award-winning and feature-packed time management software with an address book, prioritized ToDo list, appointments, and much more. Everything is easily visible on one screen. Integrates with Palm OS and PocketPC, Microsoft Word and Excel, Corel WordPerfect, web browsers, WinFax, and more. I use this instead of the Palm OS desktop combined with DateBk  http://www.pimlicosoftware.com/ for my PDA and it's a fantastic combined solution as well.

Planners and Organizers (Computer- and PDA-based, Paper-based)

• FranklinCovey  http://shopping.franklincovey.com/
  FranklinCovey, well-known for their quality planning and organizing solutions, offers planning and organizing solutions for paper, computer, and handhelds.

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Task Management, Notes-organizing Software

While many software programs are included with your PDA, there are more fully-featured programs available that integrate with your other Palm software and other helpful software that's especially useful for TBI survivors. Below are a few of my favorites.

• Automate Tasks With Your Computer's Scheduled Task Wizard   http://skdesigns.com/tbi/tips/pc_schedule_tasks.shtml
  Helpful instructions at TBI Resources on how to use your computer Scheduled Task wizard to automate a daily PDA HotSync. These instructions can also apply to scheduling any task or reminder tool. By Shirley Kaiser, TBI Resources.
• Memo PLUS  http://www.handshigh.com/html/memoplus.html
  For Palm OS handhelds, create alarms for your memos, add drawings, start from a template, and more. Adds many helpful features that aren't available with the standard Palm OS Memo program. By HandsHigh Software.
• Syncer  http://www.palmgear.com/software/showsoftware.cfm?sid=52295720020903234800&prodID=44284
  This freeware automatically syncs your PDA with your computer at the times and days you designate. Set it for the same or different times each day, and you can temporarily disable it, too. Very helpful tool to ensure that a HotSync gets done at least once a day to back up your data, download the latest news, or whatever needed. Freeware by Ryan Muller.
• ThoughtManager^TM Information Manager  http://www.handshigh.com/html/thoughtmanager.html
  by HandsHigh Software. An outliner and information organizer for the Palm OS and Windows desktop. I've found this software especially helpful for organizing my thoughts for doctors' appointments, errands, project management and goals, home maintenance to do list, and so much more.
• ToDo PLUS  http://www.handshigh.com/html/todoplus.html
  For Palm OS handhelds by HandsHigh Software, create alarms for your ToDo items (a life-saver for TBI folks!), create repeating tasks, and adds many more helpful features that don't exist with the standard Palm OS ToDo program.

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