Assistive Technology for Environmental Controls
Your Space, Your Independence, Your Control
Our dedicated team at the Michigan Assistive Technology Program believes that controlling your environment is a fundamental aspect of independence. Environmental control technologies bridge the gap between physical limitations and the ability to manage your surroundings, empowering you to live more independently and confidently in your own space.
"I love working with environmental controls. It is exciting to work in this area because it is always changing as more and more products are being made. This technology is becoming mainstream as it helps everyone. There is also nothing like seeing someone smile the first time they're able to turn something on independently with their voice." - Laura, MATP Specialist
What are Environmental Controls?
Environmental Controls allow people with disabilities to operate various aspects of their environment independently. These controls enable users to manage everyday items like lights, fans, thermostats, televisions, doors, and more through accessible means. From voice-activated systems to switch controls, environmental control technologies adapt to your specific needs and abilities.
How We Fill the Gap
Yes, environmental controls allow for alternative ways of operating items that are used everyday by everyone. They are helpful for many types of disabilities including people who have difficulty with: mobility, reaching and fine motor skills, low vision, hearing loss, memory loss, and more. Environmental controls help save time and energy, and can be helpful for anyone.
Environmental control systems provide critical access to independence that many people with disabilities would otherwise not have. These technologies transform ordinary homes into spaces where individuals can maintain control and autonomy despite physical limitations.
Why Environmental Controls Matter
Environmental controls offer more than convenience—they provide essential independence and dignity. Benefits include:
- Increased independence in daily living
- Enhanced safety and security
- Reduced reliance on caregivers for basic tasks
- Energy conservation for those with fatigue or limited stamina
- Greater privacy and personal autonomy
- Improved quality of life and self-confidence
- Ability to remain in one's own home longer
- Reduced stress for both users and caregivers
Examples of Environmental Control AT
Our inventory includes a wide range of solutions:
Voice Activated Amazon Fire TV Cube
The Amazon Fire TV Cube combines streaming capabilities with hands-free voice control, allowing users to turn on their TV, change channels, adjust volume, and launch apps simply by speaking. Perfect for individuals with limited mobility, vision impairments, or difficulty using traditional remote controls, it provides independent access to entertainment, news, and communication apps. With Alexa built-in, users can also control other smart home devices, making it a central hub for accessible home automation and entertainment.
Smart Plugs
Many types of smart plugs can transform any regular appliance into a voice or app-controlled device, allowing users to turn lamps, fans, coffee makers, and other electronics on or off without physically reaching for switches. Perfect for individuals with limited mobility, arthritis, or those who use wheelchairs, smart plugs provide independent control over their environment from anywhere in the room. Some can also be programmed with schedules or timers, making daily routines easier and more accessible.
iRobot Roomba
The iRobot Roomba provides automated vacuuming that can be controlled via smartphone app or voice commands, making floor cleaning accessible for individuals with mobility limitations, chronic pain, or fatigue. The included Wall Barriers allow users to designate specific areas for cleaning or create boundaries around delicate items, giving precise control without physical setup. For people who struggle with traditional vacuuming due to physical limitations, the Roomba maintains home cleanliness and independence while reducing physical strain and effort.
Success Stories
Ruth, 84, was connected to the MATP by her daughter. Ruth had recently moved to her own apartment, after living with family for many years. She was elated to have a place of her own. However, she and her daughter both had concerns about her living on her own. Her daughter wanted to be able to check in on her mom and communicate with her in the event of an emergency. Ruth wanted to be able to see her daughter and feared isolation.
MATP demonstrated the Amazon Echo Show with Alexa - a smart assistant that also had a video screen. The AT specialist demonstrated the different features and how to use them to communicate, in particular, she spoke about the "drop in" feature that would allow her daughter to drop in and see how Ruth was doing, and would allow Ruth to see her daughter every day and in the event of a fall, she could use her voice to call her daughter for help.
The Echo show seemed like it would address both of their concerns. When the AT followed up several weeks later, she learned that they both purchased the device and were "dropping in" on each other every day. Ruth has also learned about other things Alexa could do, and was really enjoying music and watching the news on her Echo. They were both feeling confident that Ruth could live alone and enjoy her own space.
Invite Us To
We'd love to show you how environmental controls can transform daily living! Invite us to:
- Your Assisted Living Facility
- Your Programs for Older Adults
- Your Rehab Center
- Your Nursing Home
- Your Home or Apartment
- Your Independent Living Facility
- Your Disability Support Organization
- Your Occupational Therapy Practice
- Your Community Health Fair
Try Environmental Controls for Free
Our FREE demonstrations and device loans allow you to explore environmental control options in your own setting before making decisions. We come to YOU anywhere in Michigan, bringing examples of environmental control technologies and helping you discover which solutions might work best for your specific needs and living situation.
With the rapid advancement of smart home technologies, environmental controls are becoming more affordable and easier to use than ever before. Let us help you navigate the options and find the right solutions for your independence.
Your space, your control, your technology—let's explore the possibilities together.
Contact MATP:
- Phone: 1-800-578-0280
- Michigan Relay: 711
- Email: [email protected]
- Request a Demonstration - Schedule a free AT demo at your location