Environmental Control Solutions.
Annabel Gregory, Computer Access Specialist,
Libby Price, Augmentative Communication Specialist,
Regency Park Rehabilitation Engineering,
PO Box 2438 Regency Park SA 5942.
Abstract:
The area of environmental control for people with a disability has been growing rapidly over
the past few years – both systems designed specifically for people with a disability and
products from the rapidly expanding home control and automation market.
This workshop will provide the opportunity for participants to see, try and learn about a range
of environmental control solutions through the use of demonstration, hands on experience
and case studies. The session will include discussion about the process of selecting an
environmental control system, especially the complexities of taking a range of individual
pieces of technology and putting them together to create a system that meets the users
needs and wants. Systems and solutions demonstrated and discussed will have applications
for people from pre-schoolers through to seniors with a wide range of disabilities and
requirements.
The range of solutions demonstrated will include simple through to complex systems for
controlling devices such as TV, video and DVD, telephones, doors, lights and appliances or
page turners. Access methods demonstrated will include voice control, big buttons, switches
and scanning. There will also be information on integrating environmental control with
communication devices (with or without infrared output) or wheelchair control systems.
Introduction.
Environmental control units or systems (ECU) can provide a person with a disability with an
alternative means to control appliances in their environment – at home, work or school. They
can be used to operate a single appliance like a television or lamp or a whole house full of
sophisticated electronics. As with all assistive technology it is important to choose equipment
that best suits the user in regards to their wants and needs, their physical ability, their budget
and the amount of support required and available.
The following points summarise some of the issues that may need to be considered when
choosing an environmental control system.
Considerations for selecting an environmental control system.
Factors relating to the user and their environment:

What is the easiest way for the user to control devices? Eg. Using a single switch,
keypad, voice commands etc

How easily can the user learn new and complex systems?

What appliances and functions does the user want to control?

Does the user have other electronic devices that may have some potential for
integration? Eg. Power wheelchair, AAC device, computer.

Where will the system be used? Eg. Whole house vs one room

Can you install extra components or wiring if needed?

Who else lives or works in the area where the ECU will be used?
ECU in a multi-user setting:

Consider needs of the potential users and what appliances are in the environment
that will need to be controlled.

Try to choose a system that has multiple access options to allow for the needs of
different users.

Consider your human resources for training and support of new users.
Safety considerations:

Security and safety issues must be considered – especially important for door and
window openers, heaters, and emergency call systems.

Ensure that you have considered reliability issues, and the implications of the system
failing.

Look into the power supply and backup options
Setup and Support Considerations.

Setup of any technology can be daunting for both users and support people.

It is critical that there is ongoing support by someone who has some knowledge of the
system and where to seek assistance if needed.

Ensure that you consider any possible impact on ongoing provision of funding and
support.
Access options for environmental control systems:
There are a number of different methods for operating an environmental control system.
They include:

Switch – direct: Press one switch to turn on a device.

Switch – scanning: Press a switch to start moving through a menu of commands.
Press again to select the command you want.

Keypad: Press buttons directly to send a command.

Voice: Use voice commands to control devices

Control from a computer: Use a mouse, trackball; head operated mouse or other
mouse alternative to select commands from your computer screen.

Control from a Communication Device: Many communication devices have the
option for a switch relay output or infrared output. Both of these features can be used
for environmental control

Control from an integrated wheelchair controller: There are several integrated
power wheelchair control systems that incorporate infrared output.
Appliances that can be controlled from environmental control systems:
The majority of the environmental control systems, which have a range of access options that
make them useful for a person with a disability, use infrared output. This means that you
need to carefully consider which appliances you wish to control:
Infrared Controlled Appliances:
Many appliances already have built in infrared remotes. These can usually be controlled
using an ECU with an infrared output. These appliances include:

TV, VCR, DVD, Stereo, Air conditioners and many other electrical appliances.

Some motor driven curtains

Specialised telephones.
Non-Infrared Appliances.
You may need to add extra hardware in order to use an environmental control with an
appliance that does not have infrared control built in.

Add a remote appliance switch to make a standard power-point infrared controlled.

Use X10 infrared receiver plus X10 modules to remotely control powerpoints.

Cebus house wiring – add special wiring to your house to control powerpoints or
overhead lights or fans.

Wire in infrared or radio receivers to control bed, doors, intercoms and other
appliances.
Summary.
There are many different environmental control solutions available. In order for a user to
choose the best system for their needs, it is important that they are aware of the options and
possibilities. The solution should take into consideration their own unique environment, level
of needs and amount of support available. Considering these factors may be a useful starting
point, and should be followed by assessing the range of products available to find the best
match. Further information on particular products can be found by contacting your local
technology assessment service, or by reviewing the range on Regency Park’s website at:
www.regencypark.org.au