ECUs, Smart Homes and Assistive Technology
An ECU (Environmental Control Unit) or EADL (Electronic Aid to Daily Living) are different words to describe a system that allows someone to control the environment they live in. This can be as simple as turning on a light or opening a door. For instance, you might have a wheelchair ramp installed to get to the front door, but that doesn’t do much good if you can’t open it by yourself. An electronic door opener can be added to an existing door to allow complete independence. ECUs and other assistive technology devices can be lifesavers – not just convenience items – for people with disabilities. At home, the telephone can be a lifeline when calling for help in an emergency. The ability to turn on a fan or adjust a thermostat provides critical temperature control for the heat-sensitive, such as those with MS. Controlling a motorized bed helps maintain skin integrity and prevent pressure sores. Increased independence can even reduce the need for a paid attendant and cut down on the demands of family members.
WHAT CAN IT CONTROL?
- TVs, DVD players, stereos, etc.
- Telephones
- Door openers
- Lighting and lamps
- Smart phones, tablets and computers
- Ceiling and portable fans
- Hospital bed
- Wireless caregiver alert systems
- Thermostats
- Video cameras (interior/exterior)
HOW DOES IT WORK?
ECUs use the same type of technology that mainstream “smart home” controllers use, except they are customized for operation by people with physical disabilities. Sometimes existing products, such as an iPad or Amazon Echo, can be adapted for use for the disabled.
In general, ECUs can be configured to work in one of three ways:
- Electrical “hard-wiring” (120 volt, low voltage, etc)
- Infrared signals (i.e., TV remotes), or
- Radio frequency (such as Bluetooth)
There are numerous ways to operate an ECU and each is customized based upon the user’s ability. Some examples can be:
- Touching a screen
- Activating a switch
- Using your voice
- Moving a joystick or specialty drive control (i.e., Sip-and-Puff, head
array, chin control, etc.)
We can adapt your new equipment to utilize existing wiring and infrastructure so there is minimal disruption to your home or facility. Replacing wall light switches with specialized lighting control devices, swapping a thermostat for a heating control unit, or adding a specialized cable for bed control are some examples of the ways a home can be modified for user control. In almost all cases, the changes do not disrupt the manner in which other family members use those same devices. An automatic door opener will still allow the door to operate exactly the same as it
always has. A specialized wall light switch can still be flipped to turn on the light. If there are situations where devices will be altered from their normal use, it will be discussed during the evaluation process so each customer can make an
informed decision.
FAQs
Q: I’m not very “tech savvy.” Is an ECU hard to operate/learn?
A: During the evaluation process, we will discuss how each specific ECU works
so that users, family and/or team members not only understand what the system
will do but, most importantly, know how it will be controlled. Some systems can
be very simple and easy to operate and others may have a “learning curve” until
the operator has full control. That’s why the evaluation process is so important –
to understand not only how things will be installed and controlled, but also to
understand the abilities and limitations of the end-user. During the installation
process, we work with the client to verify all the devices are responding to the
commands given from the ECU, and also train and teach the user and family
members how to operate the system.
Q: Who is a candidate for an ECU?
A: Any person who is unable to physically interact with common devices that
control his or her environment is a good candidate. People with neuromuscular
disease, such as Multiple Sclerosis, ALS and Muscular Dystrophy, along with those with
other disabilities, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, Cerebral Palsy, etc. can be benefit from the
use of ECUs. There is no specific disability a person must be diagnosed with in order to benefit from
being able to control theirown environment.
Q: What kinds of situations might benefit from an ECU?
A: Caregivers are sometimes concerned about leaving their loved one alone. They
may be unable to alert family or outside help if the need arises. Custom Rehab can
recommend and configure the right solution for each individual situation.
ECUs in the home
Howard (diagnosis: MS)
At times, Howard was left home alone in bed. When someone would come to the door, he wanted to be able to communicate to the person outside, visually verify their identity, and then, if necessary, be able to let them in. Custom Rehab provided a system that allowed him to talk with the person at the door through an intercom system that interfaces with his telephone so that when the doorbell is pressed, the telephones in his home ring and he can answer and speak with the individual. We installed a video camera outside his door that is connected to his TV. So, for instance, if a UPS delivery arrives, the driver rings the doorbell. Then, by changing the input on his TV, Howard can see the truck and driver standing in front of the door. Triggering an automatic door opener allows the driver to enter and leave his package; then the door closes and automatically locks.
Jerry (diagnosis: ALS)
Jerry uses a ventilator and lives at home. When his wife is busy around the house and Jerry needs immediate attention, he has no way to let her know. Custom Rehab equipped Jerry’s chair with a specialty switch that he can activate with his foot that sends a wireless signal to a receiver that his wife carries with her throughout their home.
Robert (diagnosis: ALS)
Robert has ALS and has been experiencing gradual muscle loss. Although he uses his cell phone for most of his communication – through email, internet and telephone calls – Robert wants to gain more control by being able to turn on lights, control his thermostat and have the freedom to open doors and go outside. By equipping Robert with a system that uses his existing Wifi, a specialty controller, “smart home” light switches and an automatic door opener, Custom Rehab has allowed Robert to regain his control and improve his quality of life.
Update: Robert’s ALS has progressed to where touching the screen has become too difficult. Custom Rehab has configured his system to use the Amazon Echo to give verbal commands to operate his devices. The Echo is powered through his wheelchair batteries so that anywhere Robert roams within Wifi range, he maintains verbal control. While the Echo can’t interface with his phone for control of the telephone, email, texting, etc., it does give him the control he needs right now. In the future, if Robert also wants to control the phone, that can be done by interfacing with his power wheelchair drive control (e.g., joystick).