Home Automation + Disability Access = Environmental Control

An Environmental Control Unit (ECU) is an electronic device that assists a person with a significant disability to control their surroundings. It helps them perform many daily tasks and make choices independently. It provides a "technical bridge" which gives users independent and automatic control of devices such as television, telephone, heating and cooling, computer/tablets and lights. Many electrical appliances can be operated 'out of the box', while some are controlled with a small amount of additional equipment. The user of an ECU controls the system by operating a switch or screen (including smartphones) matched to their physical ability. Speech recognition and other input methods are also available.

The benefits of an Environmental Control Unit extend to more than the direct user. These systems can help relieve the pressure of providing constant care by a carer by passing control of many activities back to the individual. Users can switch on a light, change television channels, adjust the bed, make a phone call, send an email when they want to, instead of waiting for a carer to operate equipment for them.

'Off the shelf' equipment can provide excellent facilities for people with disabilities. However, the addition of custom devices often provides a lot more flexibility and function compared to factory-made appliances.