{"id":238585,"date":"2017-09-14T20:26:36","date_gmt":"2017-09-14T20:26:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/facingdisability.com\/blog\/?p=238585"},"modified":"2017-11-03T20:57:27","modified_gmt":"2017-11-03T20:57:27","slug":"7-helpful-smart-home-devices-people-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/facingdisability.com\/blog\/7-helpful-smart-home-devices-people-disabilities","title":{"rendered":"Seven Helpful Smart Home Devices for People With Disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"
A cross-country move inspired Karin Willison, who uses a wheelchair, to embrace smart home technology and she hasn\u2019t looked back since. While the cutting-edge devices can come at a premium, the increase in independence and safety it has proved her has been truly life-changing.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Curious to see what other technologies people with disabilities were using, Willison, as a writer for the Mighty<\/a>, decided to ask the Mighty Facebook Community<\/a> which smart home devices they use and recommend. Here is what they recommended.<\/p>\n 1. Amazon Echo 2. Smart Lock By contrast, a smart lock uses each user\u2019s smartphone as a key. You can give users admin, guest, or temporary access, or even limit the days and times they can enter your home. The app keeps a log of who has entered your home and when, so you can confirm your kids or home health aide arrived on time. Don\u2019t want someone coming over anymore? You can remove their access in seconds.<\/p>\n
\n The Amazon Echo is an ideal starting point for any smart home setup. The Echo and its smaller companion Echo Dot allow you to control devices in your house using your voice. Of course, you can also download the Amazon Alexa app for your smart phone, and use it to control your devices when you\u2019re not home.
\n A Mighty community member said the hands-free aspect of Alexa is particularly appealing. She uses it to \u201cset timers, reminders, alarms, shopping lists and do Internet searches to avoid using [her] hands too much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n Do you need to give personal care attendants, nurses, therapists or a housekeeper access to your home? If so, a smart lock is a much safer option than a keypad. Keypad locks don\u2019t tell you if, when or by whom they\u2019ve been used, and it can be difficult to change the combination. The combination can easily be given away to someone with harmful intentions.<\/p>\n