Help and Tips
How technology in a home can lead to greater independence
Article by Andrew Longhurst
Home digital assistants such Amazon Echo and Google Home which give you the ability to control the lighting, temperature and ambiance of a room remotely or with simple voice instructions are quickly becoming mainstream. However, for people like Andrew Longhurst, who has a physical disability, being able to easily control his environment through alternative methods is more than just a ‘nice to have’. As Andrew explains, technology and smart devices can make a real difference for people with disability.
Technology has the ability to help you gain as much control over your environment as possible, and with that, give you greater independence. I consider myself to be a passionate gadget aficionado (aka nerd as I like to call it), so one of the benefits I find, with living independently, is having my own space to accumulate an Aladdin’s cave of incredibly useful electronic devices and computer gadgets. In doing so, I have discovered some life-changing technology which has helped to build my independence. Amongst them, I’ve fallen in love with is my Hue lighting which I have set up in every room in my house. I can turn these lights on and off (and even change their colours) using speech, or assorted Apple devices such as my Iphone. This saves the need to travel in darkness to the bathroom at night, and is something I use all the time.
I have an iPad set up as my TV (on a stand so I can tilt it at an angle if I am resting in bed). The convenience of this cannot be underestimated. With free apps available for all the major free to air TV stations, you can watch shows or news when it’s convenient for you, not when they choose to schedule it, and streaming services like Netflix, Stan or Foxtel Go, provide lots of add free content as well, (I only use my TV when throwing a Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Star Trek marathon for friends!).
I have my fan/heater on a Belkin remote switch WIFI smart plug that I can control from my phone, and I’m seriously thinking about getting a remote controlled door lock, so I can let in a cleaner (and visitors) remotely when I’m not at home.
Another device that can be indispensable for people with physical disabilities is called a Housemate PRO ECU (Environmental Control Unit), which allows someone to control the air conditioner, television, electronic blinds — basically any device in your home that can be connected via infrared Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You connect from a phone (Android or Apple), and there is even the capability for a single switch, attached to a wheelchair. Switch control allows someone who has limited physical movement to control technology by hitting a switch (or large button that is connected via Bluetooth to the computer, phone or tablet). Once you learn how to use it (and you have the right switch hardware set up), there is not a lot that you can’t do with an iPad, iPhone or PC with switch control turned on. The good thing is that hardware is becoming more affordable, and with an OT prescription many of these technologies may be funded by the NDIS (and the software is starting to be automatically included on your devices). Just always remember to double check your accessibility settings on your device.
The great part about having your own place is that you can set it up to meet your needs. You can experiment with different types of technology to give you more independence and help you live more comfortably. Depending on your needs and your goals, some of the modifications you make to your house may be able to be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It’s a good idea to speak to professionals about what is out there and what could work for you. They should be able to help you set up your room or house with any additional features you need and help make the space, truly yours!
