Environmental Controls enable people with limited mobility, physical disabilities, or paralysis to control their home environment. EC systems support residential independence through tablets that use touch or switch controls.
Who can benefit?
People with physical disabilities who can operate a tablet with a touchscreen or switch controls (voice controls are currently in development)
People who have fine motor difficulties or problems with dexterity due to joint, muscular, or other health issues
What results can we expect?
Enable individuals with limited mobility to have control over their living spaces (lights, thermostat, electronics, locks, etc.)
Enable connection and communication with other people without continuous caregiver presence or intervention
Opportunities for independence and self-determination
People are able to live a life of their choosing, where and with whom they choose.
What technology can help?
Environmental Controls (EC) are created by pairing a tablet with other technology that allows the client to access home features such as the lights, television, thermostat, and locks.
Each EC system incorporates a tablet that uses touch or switch controls to manage:
Thermostat, fans, heating, and cooling
Doors and other access points (locking/unlocking)
Overhead lights and lamps
Televisions and other electronics
A SimplyHome System can also be incorporated if alerts and notifications are desired.
What types of alerts can be set up?
This system does not generate alerts on its own, but can be paired with SimplyHome’s remote support system to provide custom alerts to caregivers or staff. For example, if a person opens a door or pushes a panic pendant in the middle of the night, the SimplyHome System can send a text to staff. One device may also be configured to trigger another, such as lights turning on when a person opens a door to enter a room.
Jonathon's Story
After a car accident as a young man, Jonathon Dodd was paralyzed and had limited use of his legs and arms. As a young man, he desired to live independently, but he was concerned about how he would control his own home environment or access help if needed. With the use of a tablet programmed to “talk” to areas of his house, Jonathon was able to lock his front door, watch television, adjust his heating/cooling controls, and turn lights on/off simply by tapping icons on a tablet mounted on his wheelchair.
