Hello Everyone,

INTRODUCTION
Recently, I received several emails requesting that I make a recommendation for an accessible medication prescription reminder application that can be used on a mobile device.

While there are both commercial and free medication prescription reminder applications available for use on a mobile device, I cannot recommend them at this time for several reasons not the least of which being that they are not comfortably accessible with screen reading software, like Mobile Speak, for the blind and low vision.

Not to worry my friends for as is often the case, Google provides a free, easy-to-use, and reliable tool that will remind you when to take your medicine. 

Yep!  That’s right!  The secret is knowing  how to setup a Google Calendar.  With the Google Calendar, you can have multiple daily reminders sent to your computer or mobile device via email or text message; and the best part, it’s free! 

Please note that SMS data charges will apply so be sure to have an unlimited SMS data plan in place before using a Google Calendar as a medical prescription reminder.

SETTING IT UP

NOTE 1:
The following steps are intended to be used as a general guide for setting up your prescription reminders.  Therefore, not every single step in the process will be listed.

NOTE 2:
In order to be given the option of SMS notifications, you must first configure your Google account for use with a mobile device. (Described below.)

NOTE 3:
I strongly recommend that you setup your Google Calendar on a desktop or notebook computer; for best results, make sure the computer’s screen resolution is set to no less than 1024 by 768 pixels. 

1.
From your Desktop or Notebook computer, go to:
http://calendar.google.com 

2.
Either create or login to your Google Calendar account. 

NOTE 4:
If you have a non-calendar Google account, you may use the same username and password to login to the Google Calendar.

NOTE 5:
At the login screen, Google Calendar requests an email address and password.  Do not be confused.  Simply enter your Google username and password to login to the Calendar.

NOTE 6:
The first time you login to your Google Calendar account, a default calendar with the same name as your user login I.D. will have already been created.  I strongly suggest that you create a second calendar named Medication that will be used for prescription reminders.  To do this, simply Click the Create link and complete the New Calendar form; when you’re done, Click the Create Calendar button.  Now, under the My Calendar heading, you will see two calendars; one with your username login I.D. and the second named Medication. 

3.
Select the Medication calendar.

4.
Select the Mobile Setup tab and enter the requested information.  In order to complete the mobile device setup process, you must Click the Send Verification Code button.  

NOTE 7.
Before Clicking the Send Verification Code button, make sure your mobile device is powered on and has a cell signal. 

5.
After Clicking the Send Verification Code button, check your mobile device for a new SMS message containing the verification code.  Enter this code into the verification edit field, on the Mobile Setup form, and Click the Finish Setup button. 

6.
To close this screen, Click the Save button. 

NOTE 8:
I suggest that you explore the other tabs in this area and fill-in information that you deem necessary.

CREATING A GOOGLE CALENDAR PRESCRIPTION REMINDER

1.
Select the Medication Calendar.  A customizable calendar view will be displayed. 

2.
Click the Create Event link.  A new event form will appear.  Fill-in the requested information being sure to select the SMS item from the notification method list box.

3.
Click Save to save this new event/prescription reminder.

That’s all there is to it.  (Smile) 

Enjoy,

Mark