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Most people think I have enough gadgets attached to my computer. With my printer, Zip drive, scanner, CD-recorder, and video camera, the tangle of cords is quite disconcerting. However, when I am able to afford a home of my own, I plan for my computer to control much more than the peripherals it uses. If I have my way, almost all the electrical appliances, lights, doors, and even the draperies will be controlled through my computer or a remote control. The days of the Jettsons are upon us. Home automation is becoming increasingly popular. Most of the current users are general consumers wishing to make their lives easier. With a push of a button, they can dim the lights and cue up romantic or relaxing music on the stereo or start a movie on the home theater systems. Others use home automation systems to turn on their lawn sprinklers at specified times, or start up their hot tubs so that the bubbles are just right when ready. Individuals with disabilities would certainly benefit from these entertainment-oriented implementations, but that just scratches the surface! Home automation systems hold great potential to increase independence of individuals with disabilities. These systems can be programmed to operate just about any electronic device in the home, including lights, appliances, fans, air conditioners, heaters, and with the right equipment, even doors and draperies or window blinds. Besides environmental control, home automation systems can be used for security purposes. A video camera can be set up so that individuals with disabilities can see who is at the door without answering it and even have the door open if they want the person to enter. The systems can also be programmed to dial the fire department, ambulance, police, or other assistance if necessary. You might be thinking, "Sure, all this may be possible if you have an income like Donald Trump or Bill Gates." Surprisingly, however, most home automation systems can be created inexpensively, and within the limited budgets of people with disabilities. A basic set-up, designed to operate 5 lamps and three appliances, would cost about $200, according to Paul Ferguson of Sand Hill Engineering. A more sophisticated system with motion sensors which would automatically turn lights or other devices on and off as an individual enters and leaves the room and two wireless remote controls would cost around $400. The most popular home automation systems use X-10 technology, which allows devices to communicate through the electrical circuitry in your house. Basically, a transmitter gives commands and a receiver attached to each object intercepts and performs the commands. For example, if you wanted to turn a lamp off Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article A Clean, Automatically-Lighted Place! in Assistive Technology is owned by . Permission to republish A Clean, Automatically-Lighted Place! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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