The advancements in technology have vastly improved our quality of life. Furthermore, it assists in making houses more approachable for those with physical disabilities.
From voice-controlled smart home technologies to inclusive apps and beyond, we’ll cover how tech is being utilized to make homes more welcoming to people with disabilities in this piece.
These developments have made it possible for people with disabilities to have greater autonomy and independence in the comfort of their own homes. Technology is helping people with disabilities live better lives by allowing them to do previously difficult or impossible things.
5 Ways Through Tech to Make Your Home Disabled Friendly
1. Stairlifts
When one’s mobility is impaired, getting in and out of one’s home can be a significant challenge. If things are tough, people could feel trapped inside their own homes.
Making it simple and convenient for them to move around the house will encourage them to explore other means of physical activity and social interaction. Stairs are a common feature of western architecture, as many residences feature more than one story.
Stairlifts are an excellent home addition if you or a family member uses a wheelchair or has mobility challenges that make using the stairs difficult or impossible.
Many people with mobility impairments find it difficult to navigate the stairs in their homes, so installing a stairlift can significantly improve their quality of life.
You can choose from stationary and portable stairlifts depending on your needs. A stair lift is an attractive way to make your home more inclusive if you can move into and out of a wheelchair.
They’ll reap huge benefits by using more of their home rather than being constrained to one level. Gaining freedom is a great feeling in itself. In this way, technology is making our houses more accessible for people with mobility issues.
2. Smart Leak Detector
A leak detection system tracks water distribution via a pipeline. As soon as the system detects something out of the ordinary, it shuts off the water supply to the house by closing a valve inside the leak detector.
Typically, leak detection devices are set up near the water main. You can prevent catastrophic and expensive damage to your home by turning off the water supply to all plumbing fixtures and appliances.
While conventional alarm clocks can only alert you to time changes if you are physically present and able to hear the chime, smart home devices can send notifications to your phone or computer.
However, while the standard leak detection system is adequate for most individuals, it may be less helpful for those with physical limitations who may be aware of a leak but need help to take corrective action.
If a leak is detected, the leak detector will immediately begin taking precautions to ensure the safety of your house. It will notify you so you can take the appropriate actions to resolve the problem.
3. Smart Home Device
New opportunities await people with impairments in the age of innovative home technology. Rather than shelling out a hefty sum for adaptations, people with disabilities can now use commonplace technologies to maintain their standard of living.
These days, just about every appliance in the home can be made more intelligent, from the lighting to the temperature controls to the cleaning. You can manage your household’s energy use with the help of smart home technology.
Turning off lights completely or lowering their brightness in unoccupied spaces is one way to save money on electricity. You can save money by reducing your energy consumption, which certain apps can help you keep track of and even alert you. Making these types of smart home devices perfect for modern residences.
As we’ve already established, persons who are disabled often have to make do with very little money. In this way, smart home devices might be an excellent long-term investment for cost reduction.
4. Virtual Assistant
A lot of us see virtual assistants as a perfect way for technology to make us feel like a superhero with our own Jarvis. But it’s a massive deal for many people with physical or mental impairments.
People with impairments find that virtual assistant significantly improves their quality of life. Their proficiency in speech interpretation allows them to take detailed notes.
Dictation can create shopping lists, compose emails, and send text messages. Individuals may toggle the lights on and off without getting up from their seats.
These services might be a lifeline for housebound people who require constant monitoring. They not only serve as a distress signal but also as a key to letting rescuers inside a building.
When combined with other smart home technologies, virtual assistants can make any house accessible to those with mobility impairments. If you live with a caretaker, this feature is handy because it can be set up to identify more than one voice.
5. Door and Motion Sensors
It’s crucial to consider safety when purchasing a smart device. If you’re looking to beef up your home’s security, installing door sensors is a significant first step. A door sensor will notify you immediately when someone tries to break into your home.
You may leave your house unattended, knowing that you will be notified instantly if a door is opened. When a loved one has a disability, such as dementia, installing a door sensor might provide them peace of mind.
As an added measure of protection, motion sensors can notify loved ones if a loved one has fallen or is in danger. A motion sensor in your house can make it more accessible for those with mobility impairments.
These sensors can be combined with data from other smart home devices, such as virtual assistants and security cameras, to give the user a more comprehensive view of their house. Unfortunately, such smart home devices are expensive.
This can be especially helpful for people who have trouble keeping an eye on their house or are at a higher risk of accidents due to poor mobility or eyesight.
Final Words
Technological advancements are drastically improving life for those with disabilities. Innovative tools and solutions have made it easier for people with disabilities to access the same in-house amenities as everyone else.
Disabled people now have more opportunities to upgrade their homes to accommodate their needs. The use of technology has the potential to create a more equitable and welcoming society for all people.
