Living with a disability most times means that dependency on others around them increases. With this sense of independence disappearing from disabled individuals, this can leave them feeling helpless and incapable. However, through the aid of smart devices for the disabled, this can bring back a sense of independence and power to their lives. Below are 4 smart devices that can alter the lives of the disabled community for the better:
Apple Smart Watches
Apple watches can be used for many purposes like tracking fitness, replying to text messages, and playing games. However, for the disabled community, these uses are bonuses. The main reason we would encourage you to buy the apple watch is due to its safety feature. This feature is available on the Apple Watch Series 4 and 5, called ‘fall detection.’ If you were to take a hard fall, the Apple Watch would wait for you to respond to an alert, making sure you were okay. However, if there was no response after about 1- 2 minutes, they would automatically contact health services for you. Similarly, there will be an emergency services slider that will pop up and will connect you to them if prompted.
NOTE THAT: Wrist detection must be turned on for your watch to automatically contact emergency services. This means all Apple Watch users must also have an iPhone which can be connected to the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch also records your falls in the ‘health app’ making it easier to recall the details to your doctor.
Hence, this incredibly useful feature of the Apple Watch allows the more vulnerable to feel secure. Additionally, it increases their sense of independence, as they will not need to trouble family members in the event of an accident.
Google Home
The Google Home is a very useful and versatile tool to simply have in your home at all times. From playing music to reminding you to work out and telling you the weather, it does everything you could want it to do! A few uses of the Google home mini for everyone can be seen below:
Play white noise as you sleep
Make hands free calls
Find local businesses that you can call
Store what you must remember
Set up daily trigger phrases; (For example, saying ‘Hey Google, good morning’ will trigger it to tell you the weather and traffic conditions, etc.)
However, the Google Home is primarily very effective for the disabled due to its voice-activated settings and its ability to connect to your smart home.
By controlling a smart home, means connecting your Google Home to brands such as LG, Whirlpool, etc. You can find out how to do that all here. Once connected, the Google Home can be voice-activated to perform tasks like dimming lights or turning on a kettle. As such, this increases the independence of the disabled individual, as they no longer need to rely on others to perform simple, everyday tasks.
Smart Security Systems/ Safe Lock
Alarms, cameras, and these smart security systems allow people to feel safe in their own homes. This takes the vulnerability out of everyday life and increases a sense of independence. When deciding what to purchase, there are a few components to consider:
Locks; There are many variations of locks, such as a fingerprint lock or a keypad lock. Swipe cards can also be used, as they are more difficult to reproduce.
Alarms; There are variations of alarms as well, such as a siren or strobe alarms. You must ensure your alarm is fitted correctly so that false alarms are prevented.
Cameras; Cameras are a vital part of the security system, as they allow you to see what is happening. Some more expensive cameras can double as motion sensors or thermal detection so that they are able to be used in the dark.
Intercoms; Intercoms allow you to hear and see what is occurring in other rooms. They are also useful as they can be connected to your smartphone.
Those with limited mobility, particularly shorter individuals may find it difficult to stretch to open and close their blinds. In an attempt to solve this issue, there is a device that allows individuals to close their blinds through their phones. This is a kit called mysmartblinds and can also be connected to the Google Home or Alexa and be voice-controlled.
Does the NDIS fund these purchases?
There has been an update to the NDIS scheme as participants continue their access to disability supports during the COVID- 19 pandemic. As such, all eligible participants are granted an extra $1,500 to purchase low- cost assistive technology, inclusive of smart devices.
Call To Action
These 4 smart devices for the disabled are aimed at making life simpler, easier, and more independent. By making use of the most recent technology to date, people can go about their days doing what they want to do, instead of feeling vulnerable and helpless in their own homes. Get started today by installing these devices to fast-track your way to an easier life!
One thought on “Smart Devices for the Disabled- 4 Gadgets”
by Michelle Willems
I’m an NDIS participant and I’m interested in your devices primarily the Google Home device. Could you have lease contact me. Hi hope I am still able to access the $1500. I didn’t know that was available.
I’m an NDIS participant and I’m interested in your devices primarily the Google Home device. Could you have lease contact me. Hi hope I am still able to access the $1500. I didn’t know that was available.
Kind regards,
Michelle Willems