April 2000 ~ Volume 2, Issue 9 Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library NewsLetter A Monthly Newsletter for Local Branches of Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Product Focus: Controlling Your Environmental through Technology Electronic Aids to Daily Living Adapted from an article written by Michelle L Lange, OTR Michelle has been working with assistive technology for more than 12 years and has worked in the Assistive Technology Clinics at The Children's Hospital of Denver in Colorado for the past 10 years. Also contributed to by Joanne Watson, Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology, Institute on Disabilities/UAP, Temple University. Environmental Control Systems (ECSs), also known as environmental control units (ECUs) provide alternative access to devices such as lights, audio visual equipment, doors, telephones and more. Recently, these systems have been renamed "Electronic Aids to Daily Living," or EADLs to better define this technology and improve the likelihood of funding. Environmental control technically refers to heaters and air conditioners while the term EADLs puts the emphasis on what daily living tasks are being accomplished, such as independence in telephone use, home entry and exit and leisure activities. Access can be accomplished directly (e.g. finger on a remote control button), or by switch, voice, or serial input (e.g. through an alternative and augmentative communication device [AAC] or computer). "Low tech" systems provide limited control of only one or two devices. A switch can control a battery-operated or electrical device directly, in latch or in timed modes. Direct control requires the switch to be held down for the device to operate (for example, to activate Christmas lights using this method the switch would need to be held to keep the lights on). Latch control requires one switch activation or "hit" for on and another "hit" for off (similar to how your light switch works). Timed control allows the device to continue running for a preset amount of time after a single switch hit (for example, a popcorn popper can be turned on for a preset amount of time using one switch hit). [Note: When ordering an item to be controlled by an EADL, you may need to also order one or more switches]. "High tech" systems provide more sophisticated control of a variety of devices. When choosing an EADL, the following criteria are addressed: access method (how is the person going to use the EADL?), devices that need to be controlled, portability (particularly important for someone who needs control from a wheelchair and from a bed or who needs to open the door from the outside, or who changes locations within the day), vision (does the display need to be in large print or have voice output), reading skills (does the display need to have symbols/pictures rather than words), memory and sequencing skills, and battery backup. [Note: Computer-based systems are generally not portable]. Another trend in EADLs is environmental control through or built into augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. This is an advantage for users of AAC devices, as built-in EADLs are likely to be automatically funded with the communication device, usually with very little additional cost for a command center and some modules. EADLs accessed through an AAC device are also usually lower in cost than other systems. Some advantages of running environmental controls through an AAC device include portability; the user can use the same access method that controls the AAC; the user doesn't have to read (AAC can use symbols); and the user doesn't even have to see the display (AAC can use voice output ). A final plus is that the user doesn't have as heavy a learning or motor load, particularly in the areas of memory and sequencing. For example, to turn on Sesame Street with a separate EADL, a child may have to recall and sequence the input "TV", "On", and "Channel Up" until the correct channel is selected. On a communication device, the child could press the picture of Big Bird, which contains the pre-stored information to turn on the TV to the channel for Sesame Street. The biggest needs in the area of environmental controls are 1) funding, to purchase the systems; 2) qualified assistive technology providers to evaluate potential users; 3) manufacturer installation, training and support; and 4) more switch-controlled, portable EADLs that are a little more 'user-friendly'. This newsletter describes most of the environmental control systems in Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library. Joanne Watson can be contacted by e-mail at: jwatson@astro.ocis.temple.edu, or call her toll-free: (800) 204-PIAT (7428) [voice/TTY]. Michele Lange can be contacted by e-mail at: lange.michele@tchden.org PRODUCT FOCUS: Controlling Your Environmental through Technology Please Welcome Our New Local Branches! Penn State, Mont Alto Campus/ Franklin County 1 Campus Drive, Mont Alto, PA 17237 Contact Person: Joyce McCormick Ph: (717) 749-6233~ email: jhm13@psu.edu Wheels 2 Fly/ Delaware County 123 White Avenue, Linwood, PA 19061 Contact Person: Tammy Stalnaker Ph: (610) 859-0291 ~ e-mail: wheel2fly@aol.com Easter Seals/Waynesboro Ctr./ Franklin County 34 Roadside Ave., Waynesboro, PA 17268 Contact Person: Doug Fisher Ph: (717) 762-5315 ~ e-mail: easterw@cvn.net THE BASICS: What Is X10? X10 is a home-automation technology that uses the home's existing power lines to convey automation commands from the control unit to the light or appliance being controlled. How X10 Works At its simplest, an X10 system consists of four parts: 1.) "Transceivers" such as tabletop control boxes or wall modules that send a control signal to a lamp or appliance. 2.) Lamp or appliance modules that receive control signals and turn the associated lamp or appliance on or off. 3.) Portable input devices such as remote controls and keychain remote controls that let you communicate with transceivers via infrared (IR) link. 4.) The AC power lines that carry the signal from transceiver to lamp or appliance module. The difference between lamp and appliance modules is that the appliance modules will not relay signals, such as a dimming signal, that are fine for lights but might burn out a motor. The modules are chunky rectangular units a couple of inches on a side that you plug into ordinary power outlets. You then plug the power cord of the lamp or appliance you wish to control into the module, and twist a couple of dials on the module to give that lamp an address, such as A-1. When you want to control the lamp, e.g. turn it on or off, you use your remote control or tabletop control box to send the appropriate command to "A-1." The command is conveyed via the home's power lines and received by the receiver, which executes the command. Adding Complexity X10 installations can get quite complicated. You can, for instance, buy transceivers with built-in timers that you can set so that devices automatically turn on and off at proscribed times. You can also buy transceivers that detect motion (e.g. a light goes on in a room when someone enters it), or the level of ambient light (e.g. your driveway lights go on at dusk and off at dawn). Automated features such as these dramatically increase the usefulness of an X10 installation. Source: http://www.technocopia.com/ Ten Tips That Help You Select The Right ECU! An ECU allows you to control your surroundings: open and close windows and doors, answer the phone, chat with friends via the Internet, turn on electric appliances, watch TV, change the room temperature, turn the pages of a book and much, much more. It puts you in charge. With the right system, you can gain more independence than you ever thought possible. With the wrong system, however, you could unnecessarily limit yourself. There are many types of units available today with a wide range of features suited to various user abilities. Some may suit your need today. Others may not. Some may be flexible enough to accommodate your future needs. Others may not. When choosing an ECU, you should consider whether a unit can keep up with emerging technologies and with your desire for increasing freedom. Tips on Buying an ECU Here are some "shopping tips" you should keep in mind as your look at ECU's. Your occupational therapist can offer valuable guidance during this process and help you feel comfortable with your final decision. TIP #1: Learn about the manufacturer. Start your decision-making process by "doing your homework." Your ECU dealer should help you answer the following questions about each ECU's manufacturer: 1.) Do they specialize in developing ECU units? 2.) Have they developed innovative products or do they "follow the market" by copying other designs? 3.) How many improvements have they made to their original designs? You can learn about the system's manufacturer by carefully reading their literature. But you may also want to talk to someone who has seen the evolution of ECU's, such as your occupational therapist. Getting to "know" the company behind each system can help you avoid purchasing an inappropriate ECU. TIP #2: Find out how you will actually control the ECU. The more options you have--switch, voice, and/or both--the more independence you can gain. Look for the ability to customize or combine the control (input) devices to meet your needs. While a voice-activated system can give the most independence, one's voice can become weak by the end of the day, so an ECU that can be controlled by both voice and switch may be very beneficial. TIP 3#: Find out if the ECU is dependent on other equipment. If you are considering an ECU that is operated by computer, be aware that if the computer "crashes" (stops working), your ECU will "crash", too. If this is a concern to you, look for a "stand-alone" ECU, one that functions independently from your computer. TIP #4: Examine the ECU's flexibility. Can the system be modified to meet your needs? After you have purchased an ECU unit and you have a new cable television system installed, can control of the cable TV be added as a function right from your own home? Or do you have to send the unit back to the manufacturer? TIP #5: Consider remote control capabilities. If you choose a system with remote control capabilities, you can move from room to room and operate the system from anywhere in your home, without moving the ECU. TIP #6: Find out exactly how the ECU is controlled. For example, when you want to turn on the television, can you simply say: "television", or do you need to chase through multiple layers of information? The most contemporary unit can be controlled without confusing visual or text interfaces, saving your time, frustration, and energy. TIP #7: What's built-in? Look for an ECU that has all functions built-in. One thing you should specifically ask about is whether or not the system conforms to industry- standard power line technology. If it conforms, you won't need lots of extension cords running throughout the house. Also look for the ability to control a computer. As mentioned in Tip #3, be sure your ECU controls the computer, not the opposite. On-line services give you the ability to shop, bank, do research and communicate with people who share your interests with incredible ease. For the best computer control, choose a system in which the mouse and keyboard are operated separately from the PC. This enables you to perform any mouse function without a lot of extra work, such as "warm booting" or "drawing in paintbrush". TIP #8: Get all the installation details. Installing a unit for all of your personal needs doesn't have to be difficult. Focus your search on ECUs that offer "plug and play" capabilities. That means the ECU will be easy to install, and it will be easy to move, if necessary. TIP #9: Make sure your ECU keeps working if there is a power failure. Be sure your ECU has a battery-backup. If you ever lose power in the house, a battery back up will ensure that you can still make a telephone call in case of an emergency. TIP #10: Get all the facts on service and support. The key here is to find an ECU that is sold by knowledgeable, well-trained dealers. Asking some of the questions raised in this article will help you determine the quality of the various ECU dealers you may meet. Ask the dealers you interview for references, and find out each dealer's policies on service and support. Source: http://www.can-we-talk.com/10_tips_ecu.html PRODUCT FOCUS: Controlling Your Environmental through Technology Switch Controlled ECU RELAX II System Package Kit The Relax is a user-friendly, programmable scanning infrared transmitter that enables single switch access to control TV, VCR, stereo or any other appliance that can be operated using infrared remote control. Have full control of infrared appliances with a single switch, train desired functions into the Relax quickly and easily with the appliance's remote control, repeat function to repeat the most recently used command, has adjustable scanning speed, visual feedback with red scanning lights, and auditory feedback from a scanning beep. Approx: $680; Inventory Code: ECU-RELAX; Available through TASH, Inc. PRODUCT FOCUS: Switch Controlled ECU GEWA Prog III This device is a trainable remote control for TV, VCR, stereo or any infra-red controlled device. The PROG has a 18 key membrane keypad and 10 levels, which means up to 161 different codes can be programmed in. Single or multiple switches, or even a joystick can be plugged directly into the GEWA Prog for access. There are 10 different scanning alternatives. The PROG may also be controlled from a desktop IBM computer using mouse or keyboard commands. Level 10 of the GEWA Prog III is preset to send X-10 commands. It is possible to send key sequences with the GEWA Prog so that pressing a single key can perform what is equivalent to pressing a sequence of keys. The PROG is powered by a disposable battery for easy mounting on wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Approx: $910; Inventory Code: ECU-GEWAP; Available through TASH, Inc. PRODUCT FOCUS: Voice Activated ECU NEMO ECU Kit Nemo is a portable device that accepts voice commands and turns them into signals that will control your home. Dozens of commands can easily be programmed to control your lights, television, stereo speakerphone, your doors, fans, and a motorized hospital bed. The Nemo is about the size of a clock radio that mounts quickly to your wheelchair or bedside. The Nemo works by transmitting infrared (IR) signals in all directions, just like your TV's remote control. It will learn any IR command from any other remote, and comes with built-in codes for X10 (lights), hospital beds, a special speaker telephone, and an external microphone. The high-quality lapel microphone ensures accurate voice recognition. The other access methods that are built-in are single-switch scanning, joystick, or wheelchair controls. Approx: $4,495; Inventory Code: ECU- NEMO; From Madentec, Inc. GEWA InfraLink Speaker Phone: Included in this kit, the Nemo controls the phone with advanced features such as call display, call waiting display, directory, callers list, call timer, plus much more. Approx: $910; Inventory Code: ECU-IRPHONE; From Zygo, Inc. (can be borrowed independently of the NEMO ECU Kit) Scanning Director II The Scanning Director II is intended for people who can operate either a single or dual switch. Scan through the menu of options on the back-lit display and activate the switch to send a signal. Scanning speed and access time are adjustable. Features include a large memory allowing you to store up to 150 commands from other remote controls, a back-lit display makes it easier to read in any lighting conditions, and multiple devices can be operated by Scanning Director II. If you have more than one TV or VCR, these additional devices can be added and custom prompts can be created to meet individual needs. (Order switches and switch-mounts separately). Approx: $1226; Inventory Code: ECU-SD-F; From: Prentke Romich Co. PRODUCT FOCUS: Voice Activated ECU Sicare Pilot (Available for a demonstration only through vendor) This is a portable environmental control system which may be controlled using voice input or switch access. It can be set up to control any infrared device (TV, VCR, stereo, etc), wired devices such as lights, fan, door latch, wired into an AC controller, or X10 units. A computer is required to set up and train the Pilot to recognize your voice commands. The Pilot can then be unplugged and moved around the house on a wheelchair or be mounted near a bed or workstation. Approx: $4000; A full demonstration of this device is available through TASH Inc.'s representative but is not currently available for loan through the Lending Library due to the need for trained support. PRODUCT FOCUS: Serial Controlled (AAC or Computer-based ECU) Examples of AAC Systems in the Lending Library that offer built-in ECU are the DynaVox, Freestyle and Liberator. Some of the computer-based, software driven systems are KeyWi2 ECU and U Control II, as depicted below. U-Control II ECU This device allows wireless, portable control of TV, VCR, Stereo, plus lights and appliances throughout the house. U-Control II works with EZ Keys and Talking Screen (add inventory codes) computer-based software to provide control of infrared devices. All new versions of the EZ Keys and Talking Screen now include U-Control II in the Environmental Control Menu. Approx: $655; Inventory Code: ECU-UCONTROL; From Words Plus, Inc.. Switch Controlled ECU Able Link TV & VCR Remote This simple and cordless device works just like a universal remote control. It allows a switch-user to control a television and/or remote control with only one surface to activate. Use the device with preprogrammed TV channels or program channels that you select (will not work for cable TV channels). You can also program for other TV functions such as "mute." This device works with most commercially available TVs and VCRs. Approx: $85; Inventory Code: ECU-ACTV; From AbleNet, Inc. Imperium 200H System w/Accessories The Imperium 200H environmental control unit encourages independence in the lives of individuals who have extremely limited motor skills by giving them control of their everyday environment without having to call for assistance. Turning on lights and appliances, changing television stations, adjusting volume levels, using a telephone, recording messages, calling a nurse, or controlling an electronic bed are as easy as activating a standard dual switch (kit includes a variety of switches). Key features include a highly reliable dual switch input, a full-featured, built-in, hands-free telephone with a special noise filtering system, infrared and X-10 technologies to control remote devices, a configurable menu structure, and an internal battery backup (continuously charging). Approx: $3500; Inventory Code: ECU-IMPERIUM; From InterAct Plus. Product Workshop Announcement: Free IntelliTools Training! What: IntelliTools: IntelliKeys, Overlay Maker, and IntelliTalk for Windows. An alternative keyboard and other computer products that give students with special needs comprehensive access to learning. Who: Kelly Fonner, Educational Consultant, IntelliTools Hosted by PA's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) When: Thursday, May 25, 2000, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Where: Temple University, Fort Washington For more information, to register, or to request this flier in alternate formats contact Janice Knuth, Training Coordinator, PIAT, at 800-204-PIAT (7428) voice, 215-204-5397 voice, 800-750-PIAT (7428) TTY, 215-204-9371 fax, or by e-mail at: jknuth@unix.temple.edu; Registration required by May 11, 2000. To learn more about IntelliTools, visit their website at: http://www.intellitools.com Mark Your Calendars! October 21-29, 2000 ACETS: Augmantative Communication Employment Training and Supports (pronounced "assets") will be held at Temple University's Main campus in Philadelphia. This program offers 10 days of intensive employment readiness training and one year of follow up for people who use augmentative communication. For more information contact Kevin Cohen at 215- 204-6037 or e-mail him at: kcohen@nimbus.temple.edu EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT! What: Abilities Expo When: April 14-16, 2000 Where: New Jersey Convention Center, Edison, NJ Since 1985, ABILITIES EXPO has provided people with disabilities, senior citizens, and healthcare and education professionals across the United States access to the latest in products and services that can enhance their lives and the lives of their clients and students. Information on exhibitors, educational seminars, directions and online registration is available on the following website: http://www.www.abilitiesexpo.com If unable to access the Internet, call (800) 385-3085. WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THESE ITEMS? AbleNet, Inc. 1081 Tenth Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 Ph: 800-322-0956 ~ Fax 612-379-9143 http://www.ablenetinc.com/ EM Enterprises 800 Village Walk #285, Guilford, CT 06437 Ph: (860) 663-0580 ~ Fax: (860) 663- 0581 E-mail: info@can-we-talk.com ~ http://www.can-we-talk.com/ InterAct Plus 3054 Leeman Ferry Road, Suite C, Huntsville, Alabama 35801 Ph: (800) 944-8002 ~ Fax: (256) 880-8785 E-mail: info@interactplus.com ~http://www.interactplus.com Madentec Limited 3022 Calgary Trail South, Edmonton Alberta, Canada T6J 6V4 Ph: (780) 450-8926 ~ Fax: (780) 988-6182 E-mail: sales@madentec.com ~ http://www.madentec.com/ Prentke Romich Company 1022 Heyl Road, Wooster, OH 44691 Ph: (800) 262-1984 ~ Fax (330) 263-4829 E-mail: info@prentrom.com ~ http://www.prentrom.com TASH Inc. 3512 Mayland Ct., Richmond, VA 23233 Ph: (804) 747-5020 ~ Fax: (804) 747-5224 E-mail: tashinc@aol.com ~ http://www.tashint.com/ Words+, Inc. 1220 West Avenue J, Lancaster, CA 93534-2902 Ph: (800) 869-8521~ Fax: (661) 723- 2114 E-mail: info@words-plus.com ~ http://www.words-plus.com Editor: Anne Macleod E-mail: tq97@philly.infi.net CONTACT INFORMATION: Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Institute on Disabilities UAP/ Temple University Room 423 Ritter Hall Annex Philadelphia, PA 19122 Call toll-free: 877-PA AT LEND (voice/TTY) [ 877-722-8537 ] http://www.temple.edu/inst_disabilities/atlend E-mail: piat@astro.ocis.temple.edu NEXT MONTH: AT FOR HIDDEN DISABILITIES This Newsletter is available in alternate formats upon request or visit our webpage for text and PDF versions. http://www.temple.edu/inst_disabilities/atlend/news/