Alexa Home Automation
The Amazon’s Alexa is a voice, digital assistant. It has brought home automation to a price point and convenience that individuals with a wide range of disabilities can gain an unprecedented level of independence. Digital assistant like Alexa can now effectively increase quality of life through increased social interaction and independence, with the features and functionality of this class device only continuing to evolve.
Lighting Controls:
Alexa can provide the blind the means to know when lights are on or off using a wide array light switches, light bulbs, and plugs. Using voice commands lights can be turned on and off, scheduled, and for the visually impaired, even the light intensity and color can be controlled.
Home Security:
Answering a doorbell, and opening, closing and monitoring door locks can be easily automated by Alexa. Using voice commands, Alexa can open and close a door lock and provide door lock status. Alexa enabled doorbells announce when someone rings the door bell, allows communication with the person at the door, and even detects motion within a configurable proximity. For caregivers, with an app on a tablet or smartphone, they can let themselves into a home instead of experiencing the anxiety of a disabled individual struggling to come to the door. The time the doorbell rang, when a lock was opened, how many times, and the duration can also be determined, allowing the monitoring who is coming and going. Alexa enabled alarm systems and surveillance cameras are also available for added monitoring and security.
Appliances:
From ovens to dishwashers, from clothes washers and dryers to robotic vacuums, from microwaves to air conditioners; most major manufacturers offer Alexa enabled product lines will continue to enable individuals with disabilities more control of their environment. For people with visual impairments, including seniors who are not interested in acquiring computer skills, using voice commands to heat food in a microwave, turning on and setting the temperature on an Thermostat or air conditioner, or using a vacuum cleaner are welcomed and convenient options
Communication/Social Interaction
Amazon’s Echo Connect enables the blind, visually impaired and disabled individuals to make hands-free calls with their analog home phone. The Echo Connect requires connection to an existing Alexa system. Voice commands enable users to call any phone number or ignore a call. Incoming call are announced and contacts can be synched from a smart phone or tablet. The Echo Connect even enables navigation of automated phone systems by voice.
Alexa’s Drop In feature is another option for the visually impaired and disabled. This allows two-way conversation between Alexa devices or with Alexa contacts. It’s a convenient and immediate way for caretakers check on loved ones. The option to specify who can drop in or to turn it off this feature entirely is available.
Alexa allows new levels of organization such as setting up events like doctor’s appointments, reminders to take medications, performing routine tasks, and keeping and modifying a calendar. She can be setup to make an announcement, display a visual cue, or play an audible sound. Alexa allows individuals with disabilities to listen to the weather, discover their neighborhood, and listen to news as well as receiving local and national emergency information.
This device also provides access to a wide variety of reading materials, eliminating the need to navigate websites and download eBooks by merely asking Alexa to access a services like NFB’s Newsline, or Amazon’s Audible, and even sports highlights from ESPN. Additionally, music of all types can now be enjoyed from local radio stations, and satellite or internet based programming via Alexa voice commands.
Through the SmartThings app (available for IOS and Android) Alexa can connect to a Samsung smart TV. With Alexa configured, voice control can be used to adjust volume, search for specific shows as well as open apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV and more. Siri is currently on Apple TV. The Google assistant can now be found on LG and Sony Smart TV’s all voice control enabled. Smart TV’s represent a rapidly growing segment for digital assistants.
Alexa, and other digital assistants, such as Google Home, Siri, Cortana and more, are showing up in more and more products and services. As the functionality of these devices improve, the lives of disabled individuals will increasing be augmented. Digital Assistants allow family members and caretakers to better monitor and check in on their loved ones and clients, share alerts and reminders, and provide a piece of mind from knowing that their charges are safe and in the right place.
Adaptive Technology Foundation Inc. (ATFI) will service the disabled community through the design and implementation of home based technology solutions that foster independence and quality of life. ATFI will train individuals to a level of competence to enable the effective use of digital assistant devices and services, while protecting individual privacy.