A web-based virtual house is making it easier for people with disability to explore options for greater independence in their homes. Ability House is a Practical Design Fund project developed by Ability Technology. It enables people to explore options for controlling appliances and facilities at home, through the use of computer and home control technology.
‘To develop a new vision for themselves and embrace new options, people need access to information in a way that enlarges their thinking,’ says Dr Graeme Smith of Ability Technology, a non-profit organisation based in Sydney.
‘But home control technology can be very technical and people “don’t know what they don’t know”. We saw a virtual house as an opportunity to provide a new pathway for people to intuitively explore options in this area,’ he says.
To develop Ability House, the team had to translate their vision and requirements into the language of computer programmers and graphic designers.
‘Our requirements were fussy and demanding, and we wanted a website that could be used on tablet as well as a computer, so there was much dialogue and bargaining between us.’
The result has impressed people with disability and therapists who have used the pre-release version of the website.
‘One therapist described it as a “game changer” in terms of getting information to people with disability. We feel it will reduce the need for assistance at home, enabling people with disability to be more independent. This in turn will increase their sense of worth and self-esteem, with likely spin offs in other areas of their lives. But the process will often start in the most important domain for people with disability —their home,’ says Dr Smith.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing individualised support for people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers. It provides choice and control and a whole-of-life approach to the support needed for people to live more independently and work towards achieving their goals.
The Australian Government recognises that a strong, prepared and innovative disability sector is critical to the success of the NDIS. The Practical Design Fund was a $10 million grass roots program that is providing practical solutions and innovative approaches to assist people with disability, their families and carers, and the disability sector to prepare for and participate in the
NDIS.