Environmental Controls

One thing that UCAT has come to specialize in, are Environmental Controls. Environmental controls allow individuals with a variety of abilities to do exactly that.... Control their environment. From something as simple as controlling a television with a button, sip and puff or with voice, to controlling lights, heat, air conditioning, dvd player, telephone, door openers, fans, appliances, and almost anything that can be thought of. We have a great demonstration board that we set up and take around showing groups what is available. It is one of the true joys of my job in giving individuals the ability to control their environment. To give someone the ability to simply change the channel on their TV is a huge feeling of independence for some so they can watch what they want and not have to ask a family member or attendant to do it for them. We typically use x-10 controls to give individuals control of lights and appliances. With a palm pad and some modules, I often go into a home and within half an hour and less than $100.00 we can give someone the ability to turn on a couple lights throughout their house and a fan or heater.

A couple of years ago a client got a grant for an imperium environmental control unit. The morning we were heading out to set it up for him, his mother told us that the KSL might be there.

Utah Center for Assistive Technology - UCAT Kent Remund