The Benefits of Smart Home Technology for People with Disabilities
Advances in technology are a blessing to us all, but for some it can produce truly life-changing results. We often take for granted how easy certain tasks are for us to do, whether because we are young and energetic or are not impaired by a disability. However, there are an array of smart home features which can make a big impact for people with disabilities, saving them time and energy and granting them more independence.
1. Video Doorbells
Video Doorbells are great for security reasons, but are also useful just to check who’s at the door. Someone with limited mobility would greatly benefit from one of these as it allows them to see and talk to a visitor without having to go to the door. If you’re interested, check out Cnet’s list of the best video doorbells to see which one may be appropriate for you or someone you know.
2. Voice Control for Locking Doors or Turning on Lights
After seeing it is someone you know with your video doorbell, you could let them in just by saying the words. With automated locks, you don’t have to worry about going to the door to let someone in, making it easier for those with limited mobility. This has other advantages as well, such as locking up at night or getting in if you forgot your key. Also, it may not seem like a big deal, but being able to remotely control the lights in one’s home can truly be a relief. Every step saved is energy that can be put toward other matters. What makes this even better is that with smart home technology such as Josh.AI, features like unlocking doors, turning on lights, and opening curtains can all be done via voice control. This makes it useful for those who are visually impaired as they don’t need to rely on touchscreen controls.
3. Smart Plugs
A smart plug turns any outlet into a smart outlet. Coffee makers, air conditioners, Christmas lights, bedroom lamps, and space heaters can be turned on and off from your phone. The list could go on and on of practical ways to use smart plugs. For example, they can be especially handy for any hard-to-reach outlets, as you only need to click a button to “unplug” the appliance. Wondering about other uses and benefits of smart plugs? Then browse through Smarthome.news’s list of creative uses for a smart plug.
4. Automatic Vacuums
Anything to help automate chores is a win, no matter who you are, but robotic vacuums can be an especially big help to those with limited mobility. You’ll need to do your homework to find out which brand is right for you, as there are a number of price and performance variations. If you’re in the market for one of these, check out PC Mag’s list of best robot vacuums.
5. Light & Vibration Smoke Alarms
For those who are hearing impaired, a normal smoke detector is not going to be of much use. Thankfully there are other affordable options that can help alert someone with hearing loss in case of an emergency. Strobe lights are one of the main ways, but if someone is fast asleep a flashing light may not be enough to wake them up. That’s why there are options like vibrating pillows or beds, which have a more tactile approach to alerting them. Diglo has this and other tech products marketed for those with hearing impairments.
SOURCES: Panchwagh, Pranoti. “7 Ways Smart Homes and Smart Devices Can Help People With Disabilities.” MakeUseOf.com. 12 September 2021 (visited 2 May 2022). https://www.makeuseof.com/ways-smart-homes-devices-help-people-with-disabilities/ Cannistra, Meg. “Fully accessible guide to smart home tech for the disabled and elderly.” ZDNet.com. 8 September 2021 (visited 2 May 2022). https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/smart-home/fully-accessible-guide-to-smart-home-tech-for-the-disabled-and-elderly/ Cericola, Rachel. “These Smart Home Devices Can Enhance Independence for People With Disabilities and Mobility Needs.” New York Times. 29 April 2022 (visited 2 May 2022)https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-assistive-smart-home-technology-for-disabled/ “Helpful Smart Devices for People with Disabilities” MobilityWorks.com. March 30, 2021 (visited 2 May 2022) https://www.mobilityworks.com/blog/helpful-smart-devices-for-people-with-disabilities/ List: 38 Creative Uses for a Smart Plug.” Smarthome News (visited 2 May 2022)https://www.smarthome.news/how-tos/other-systems/smart-plugs-uses 