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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide Environmental Control Units
ILC Reference NO 62:70:600
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
Environmental control refers to a person controlling functions within their immediate environment. When you turn on your bedroom light, turn on the air conditioning or open your curtains to see out of the window you are controlling your environment. There is usually some meaningful purpose for making changes in your environment. For example you turn on the light for the purpose of being able to see obstacles or the air conditioning for the purpose of cooling yourself down. So, environmental control is the act of making changes to your immediate surroundings for some meaningful purpose.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
More Details
Q. What is Environmental Control Technology?
Imagine losing the ability to make simple yet very meaningful changes to your immediate surroundings (environmental control). Changes such as changing the channel on the TV when something boring is on or starting a fan when it is very hot. This ability is easily taken for granted but can have an enormous impact on a person's quality of life. Environmental Control Technology refers to specialised equipment that enables a person to control their environment when their ability to use standard methods of control has been lost or diminished.
Q. What are examples of Environmental Control Technology?
There is an increasing emphasis on automated and remote control systems within generically designed, commercially available equipment and many of these options can be useful for people who are experiencing difficulty in operating standard light switches, remote controls and so on. There is also an increasing range of specialised equipment available for use in Australia and these are designed to enable the same function to be achieved (eg turning on a lamp) using a different method (eg a remote switch).
The most appropriate equipment choice for the individual will depend on a number of factors such as their movement ability and general skill level, their identified needs, the environment in which the equipment is to be used and the support available.
Available funds should also be considered as some of the equipment can be quite expensive but there are also simple, inexpensive options available.
The best equipment choice for the individual is best decided by the provision of information and advice on a range of possible equipment options and, wherever possible, individualised trial of equipment is recommended.
Simple remote control switches are available which enable the On/Off control of an electrical appliance via a infrared remote switch unit that is portable and can be located wherever is convenient
A simple radio control unit can enable On/Off of up to four electrical appliances via a remote switch unit that is portable and can be located wherever is convenient.
Remote controlled devices such as TV's and stereos can be controlled by alternative commercially available remote controls that can combine a number of remote controls into the one unit. Some alternative remotes also offer a better design for some users such as fewer buttons, larger buttons or better spacing between buttons
Specialised equipment, which can learn the infrared signals generated by standard infrared remote controls is also available. The specialised equipment can then offer alternatives to activating standard remote control buttons. The equipment may offer larger buttons, switch control or voice control. Options for radio frequency controlled devices also exist.
There are a number of switch operated power boxes available which allow a person to turn an appliance on and off.
The power box plugs into the electrical outlet. The appliance plugs into the power box. A switch also plugs into the power box.
The switch is then used to allow or disallow electrical power to flow to the appliance therefore turning it on or off. This is useful because different types of switches may be used.
Some switches can be pressed down, others only need to be touched and some only need you to move close to them. Switches may be placed in any position and used with any body movement.
Some very specialised switches can even be operated by puffs and sips of air or electrical activity within the muscles.
There are many other examples, not included here and new technologies coming on to the market. Each individual requiring environmental control technology should find their own unique solution for their environmental control needs.
Q. Who can make use of this technology?
People who are unable to control their environment using standard equipment. However, before looking to specialised technology other strategies may first be used. The way in which someone uses standard equipment may be changed.
For example, using the blunt end of a pencil to push small buttons, or gluing a small extension to a light switch. The environment may be re-arranged. For example, bringing light switches down to wheelchair height or positioning a standard remote control onto a table where it can be reached.
Q. How can I find out more about specific options?
Contact the specialist units at Independent Living Centres and suppliers listed to discuss your needs.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
ABILITY TECHNOLOGY,
SEAFORTH, NSW
INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTRE VIC,
BROOKLYN, VIC
LIFETEC (INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTRE QLD),
NEWMARKET, QLD
NORTHCOTT COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICE (CATS),
PARRAMATTA, NSW
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS,
SILVAN, VIC
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