1. Sicare Light Device For Environmental Control Services
2. Sicare Light Device For Environmental Control Jobs

'I am lord of myself, accountable to none.' - Benjamin Franklin

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology, or AT, is any tool that allows individuals with disabilities to use their own unique abilities to reach their goals. AT can range from low-cost tools such as a jar opener to more complex devices such as a power wheelchair or communication aid.

Infants, children, adults, and older persons with any type of disability can be aided by the use of AT.

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• SICARE Pilot - User Manual 14. Safety Precautions and Maintenance Do not use your SICARE Pilot to control security or safety sensitive functions (for example speed of brakes of a wheelchair), since noises from the environment can interfere with the device. Page 22 International Inc SICARE Pilot - User Manual 15. FCC Class B Digital Device.

The SiCare Light II is an environmental control unit designed for use by individuals with mobility or severe physical disabilities or spinal cord injury. This portable unit converts spoken commands into infrared (IR) signals to control devices such as television, telephone, lights, doors, and other IR and X-10 devices.

What are switches and environmental control units (ECUs)?

These devices enable persons without mobility, sufficient dexterity, or cognition to control household devices or make changes to the immediate environment. ECUs maximize a person’s functional ability and provide independence in many environments.

ECUs range from a remote control used to operate the television to more complex, voice-activated computer-based systems which control such things as room temperature and the telephone.

Who can best make use of this type of AT device?

People who are unable to control their environment using standard equipment, such as a light switch or thermostat, would benefit most from this technology.

Where can I purchase switches and environmental control units?

Many companies specialize in the production of switches and ECUs. Some ECUs are stand-alone devices, while others are in the form of software that runs on standard personal computers.

With so many products available, an AT specialist will be able to help you pinpoint your needs and find equipment responsive to them. Vendors or equipment demonstrations and loan centers are good sources of equipment for trial periods prior to making final purchase decisions.

What types of ECUs are available?

There are 4 different types of ECUs. They are:

AC power

This type of system uses the electrical wiring already in your home. Each item to be controlled (lamp, radio, etc.) is plugged into a control box, which in turn is plugged into an electrical outlet. The user has an input device that communicates with each control box via the existing wiring system. A different control box is needed for each appliance. These systems are inexpensive and easy to install.

Infrared

These ECU devices send an infrared signal to the control unit, which in turn sends another infrared signal to the appliance. This type of ECU is seen in most of our TV and VCR remote controls. In order for the device to work, the remote must be aimed directly at the control box with nothing blocking its path.

Radio control

With this type of device, the remote sends radio waves to the control unit, which then sends the message to the appliance. This is the same technology that powers garage door openers. The remote and the control box can be in different rooms and still work, but the system has a range limit of 50-200 feet. Interference from another nearby control unit is also possible.

Ultrasound

This type of ECU uses high frequency sound waves as the input and output signal. The sound wave will bounce around the room until it reaches the control box and delivers its message. The control box then sends a command signal to the appliance being controlled. The input device and the control box must be in the same room to work.

What type of ECU is best?

The choice of ECU depends upon general skill level, abilities, what will be controlled, the environment in which the ECU will be used, cost, and the support available.

What are some things to consider before purchasing
switches and ECUs?

• What are my needs?
• Is it possible to change the way I use standard equipment instead of purchasing a switch or ECU?
• Will rearranging the environment eliminate the need for an ECU?
• What actions can I use to control the system?
• In what environment will I be using this equipment?
• Does the ECU continue to work when there is a power failure?

Sicare Light Device For Environmental Control Services

Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
Center for Applied Science & Engineering
University of Delaware/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children
PO Box 269, 1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19899-0269
1(800) 870-DATI or (302) 651-6790
TDD: (302) 651-6794
FAX: (302) 651-6793
dati-ud@udel.edu
www.dati.org

Sicare Light Device For Environmental Control Jobs

We're excited that Michelle Lange will be presenting our special OT month webinar Electronic Aids to Daily Living: the Young Child at Home & in the Classroom, on April 28th. The two-hour webinar is simply packed with all kinds of information on using assistive technology to help kids develop cognitive skills, provide independent play, socialization, participation and prepare them for future, more sophisticated technology use. Michelle's work in this field is top notch if you've signed up for the webinar you're in for a very satisfying educational experience. If you haven't signed up, head on over to our course catalog and reserve your seat! Michelle has kindly provided us with a glimpse of some of the things her webinar will cover - so now on to Michelle.

Electronic Aids to Daily Living

Electronic Aids to Daily Living or EADLs: the technology formerly known as Environmental Controls. Why the name change? Environmental Controls technically refers to HVAC – heating and air conditioning systems. While EADLs can control thermostats and the A/C, this technology also does far more. EADLs focus on the daily living task at hand, rather than the device being controlled. EADLs provide control of devices in the environment, usually the home, such as audiovisual equipment, door openers, telephones, hospital beds, lights, and simple appliances. EADLs can be accessed directly, by switch and by voice.

EADLs are probably the most underutilized area of assistive technology. Why? Funding is a big reason. Many providers are not overly familiar with this technology, as well. When EADLs are recommended, it is most often for adults, however, young children can benefit from this technology too. Basic EADLs provide intermittent switch control of battery operated toys and simple electrical devices. This provides independence in play, participation, socialization, and preparation for more sophisticated technology use.

Technology for Home and the Classroom

It may be easy to think of using a basic EADL like an AbleNet PowerLink in the home for play. This technology can also be brought into the classroom for participation and socialization. One example is the AbleNet Dual Switch Latch and Timer. Two switches and two toys are connected. One child presses one switch to activate the first toy and the second child presses the second switch to activate the second toys. This creates the chance to play together! This is only the tip of the iceberg. I bet you have much more creative ideas.

Once you have determined the optimal access method, it is much easier to narrow down product options to meet an individual client’s needs. Multi-function EADLs can control nearly any device in the environment – audio visual equipment, lights, appliances, thermostats, door openers, electric hospital beds, call bells, phones and more. Multifunction EADLs are controlled three different ways: direct (like your TV remote), switch and voice. Some systems allow more than one access method, like voice and switch in case the client needs a back-up method.

One of the available access methods is Direct or finger to button. So why bother? If someone can push a button, why not use a standard remote control? There are several advantages. First, do you or someone you know have a home theater system? This probably includes 6 different remotes and only your 7 years old knows how to start the movie! A universal remote control can combine all these features into one remote so that a client with limited reach doesn’t have to manipulate 6 different remotes. If the buttons are too small to press or see (often for all of us), large button remotes are available. For clients with cognitive limitations, a standard remote control just has too many choices. Some remotes limit choices to basic controls such as Channel Up/Down, Volume Up/Down, and Power. Hey, I think my Grandma needs one of those…

Product Choices

Ok, so your client needs to use a switch to control an Electronic Aid to Daily Living. What are the product choices? If you are looking for Basic control options, then the AbleNet PowerLink and Switch Latch Timers are your best bet. If you are looking for a Multifunction EADL to provide more control, you have a few options. These include three devices which can all be operated directly or by switch, provide lots of control and have a dynamic screen. AbleNet offers the Jive! and Primo! and SAJE offers the PocketMate. AbleNet also offers the Relax series, which are less costly, but outdated.

The last access method is voice. Voice access is very reliable nowadays, always very cool and still a bit pricey. The client needs a consistent speaking voice. Most systems provide “trainings” to improve voice recognition and allow multiple trainings so that the client can train from different positions (i.e. wheelchair and bed) or different times of day (to allow for fatigue which can change voice quality). Two of the best options are now offered by AbleNet – the Sicare Standard and the Sicare Light. Other options include the Quartet Simplicity and the SAJE PowerHouse. It is important to have switch back up, if possible, so the client can still operate the EADL if their voice is not recognized.

About the Author: Michelle Lange

Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS has over 25 years of experience in assistive technology. A former Clinical Director of The Assistive Technology Clinics of The Children’s Hospital of Denver, her work in this field is extensive. Having authored 7 book chapters and over 100 articles she is also the editor of Fundamentals in Assistive Technology, 4th Ed. Currently, on the teaching faculty of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), she is a member of the Assistive Technology Journal Editorial Board and is also on the teaching faculty of the University of Pittsburgh for the ATP/ATS Review Course. Serving on the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) for Wheeled Mobility Advisory Board, she worked as an editor of the Technology Special Interest Section of the AOTA. Michelle is a credentialed Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) and a Senior Disability Analyst of the American Board of Disability Analysts (ABDA).