Construction Informer

There are many new assistive technologies rolling out for people with disabilities. One manufacturer, AbleNet, Inc. is debuting a number of its products in a demonstration home at the Medtrade 2010 Conference, November 15–18, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.

I’m pointing these out because many of you who don’t regularly have to design or build for those who have limited mobility may not be aware of the kinds of options that are coming to market that make life easier for them. And, you never know when you just might land a client whose life would be improved by items like these.

• SiCare ECU products convert spoken commands into signals that control numerous devices such as televisions, telephones, lights and electric beds. The company offers two different products based on the level of customization required.
  • For basic infrared (IR) functionality, the SiCare Light II offers simple programming with 15 pre-set menus of commands, including television, bed, TV, satellite and light.
  • SiCare Standard adds fully customizable menus and Radio Frequency (RF) control to reach additional devices. This is ideal for users with multiple IR and RF devices in their home or who need an unlimited number of functions at their control.
• Possum Sero! is a telephone with a loud speaker, remote control of the telephone and an answering machine with communication aid functions. The Sero! has 50 recordable phrases (each 60 seconds long) allowing people with partial or no voice to communicate crucial messages over the telephone.
• Possum Primo! is a device offering remote control of the immediate environment to give independence and reassurance to users and caregivers. Primo! can be used as a simple system providing a limited number of functions or configured to control a comprehensive environmental control system, incorporating remote control telephones, intercoms and PCs as well as many other devices.

For the astute architect or contractor these devices offer functionality without all the wiring and they can save money and time when upgrading or building for those who are disabled.