Calendars tell you what day it is and what activities or appointments you have coming up. Some people like to see this information visually, with pictures or text. Other people might need to hear it spoken out loud. There are different options to find the calendar system that works for you.

What kinds of calendar and reminder systems are there?

Paper-based Solutions

Wall calendars and paper planners can be powerful scheduling tools! Explore different systems to see what works well for you. If you need a large print or braille calendar, they are available from places like APH or BrailleWorks. If you’re designing a picture schedule for an AAC user, get a subscription to print the symbols (eg Boardmaker PCS, SymbolStix, Smarty Symbols) their device uses.

Calendar Boxes

Calendar boxes are a tactile system that might work well for deaf blind users or people who don’t yet have the literacy skills to participate in other methods of scheduling. They consist of a series of cubbies or trays, which each carry an object representing an activity.

Recordable Switches

Multi-message switches, like the Step by Step (AbleNet) or the Place N’ Talk (Enabling Devices), can be used to record the schedule for the day.

Electronic Calendars

Calendar tools are built into many electronics, including smartphones and computers. Your email provider might even have an integrated calendar. Examples include Outlook Calendar and Google Calendar​. You can also choose to share these calendars with a family member or caregiver, so that they can help add events.

Virtual Assistants

Have a smartphone or a smart home hub? Ask Siri or Alexa to help keep your schedule! You can schedule reminders to happen at a certain time or even certain places like “when I get home.”

Related Apps

• AnyDo – Easy interface with robust features (including one-time, recurring, or location-based reminders). Guided “plan my day” feature. Also compatible with voice systems like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
• Remember the Milk – To-do list app with searchable lists and tags.
• ToDoist – To-do list organized by subsections and priorities. Also integrates with a number of workplace communication, file management, and time tracking softwares.
• Cozi – Shared calendar, shopping lists, to-do lists, and meal planning. Also generates printable formats so that you can post chores.
• 24Me – Integrate your calendar events, tasks, and notes. Use photos or emojis if desired.
• Visual Schedule Planner – Audio-visual planner with timer, checklist, and video prompt features, yet provides a more mature interface than the typical visual schedule app. View your calendar in daily, monthly, and weekly modes.
• Plan It, Do It, Check It Off – Photo-based “To Do” app, for users who benefit from visual schedules.