ARATA 2012 Conference “Bridging the AT Gap”

Presenter: Greg Killeen – AT consumer and advocate

• Mythbusters – are ECUs only gadgets or tools to independence?– Definitions: Gadgets and Tools

– What is an ECU?

– Different types of ECUs

– The ECUs & AT I use

– The benefits of ECUs

– ECU considerations

– Government funded AT programs

• Conclusion

Definitions:• Gadget -• "Any object that is interesting for its ingenuity or novelty

rather than for its practical use", or a;• "Gizmo , thingamejig, contraption or watchamacalllit“

• Tool -• "Anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or

purpose", or;• "Something regarded as necessary to the carrying out of

one's occupation or profession"

Are ECUs Gadgets or Tools to independence?

• Answer:

• The answer will be different depending on whether the person being asked has a physical disability, is doing the assessment and/or the prescription, is working for an insurance company or a legal firm, is working for a government funded AT program, and ultimately, I believe the answer will depend on how much knowledge the person

has about ECUs.

What is an ECU?

• Answer:

• An ECU is assistive technology (AT) that can enable people with disability, particularly people with very limited mobility, to control lights/lamps and various products and appliances via different interfaces, such as the sound of the user’s voice, eye gaze technology, any type of switch, and with the use of timers, sensors and/or a computer interface, home automation is possible.

Different types of ECUs

Possum Primo

Possum Vivo

Gewa Prog

Gewa Prog

Gewa Control Omni

The ECUs & AT I use

• Environmental control units [ECU]• ‘Simplicity’ voice controlled ECU• X-10 Computer Interface• X-10 Appliance & Light Switch Modules• 8-in-1 remote control

• Speech recognition software for a computer with an acoustic array desk microphone

Simplicity ECU

• Controlled via voice through a microphone or by switch

• Controls lights/lamps and appliances using infrared, X-10 modules, direct cable and has a ‘built-in’ telephone

What can Simplicity ECU control?

X-10 modules

• Each electrical product or lamp needs an X-10 module

8 in 1 Remote Control

• Controlled directly via the buttons• 2 Macro buttons [14 functions each]• Controls lights and appliances using

infrared and radio frequency [X-10 modules & transceiver]

ECU and AT video

The benefits of ECUs

• Spontaneity and Autonomy

• Independence and Control

• Functionality and Participation

• Improved self-esteem and confidence

• Improve quality of life

• Peace of mind

ECU considerations• What to control—TV, lights, appliances, telephone, bed, doors,

curtains and blinds etc?

• Where to mount the ECU and/or controller—wheelchair, bed, desk?

• How to access/control the ECU—direct, external switch or switches, scanning, voice?

• Is the ECU consumer friendly and easily programmable and/or reprogrammable?

• Is the ECU expandable to include extra or new products and devices?

• Are there any cognitive issues limiting choices?

• Will physical and cognitive abilities be changing over time?

• Is the ECU available in Australia with appropriate technical support and backup?

Government funded AT programs

• ECUs not being funded due to:– Lack of funding– Given low priority amongst other AT– Not being prescribed– Lack of knowledge or understanding of the

benefits

Conclusion

• Thank you very much for attending this presentation• Questions