WATA Bulletin: Spring 2002
Contents:
- ECUs allow remote control of household devices
- Update on DSHS funding for AAC devices
- Calendar of Events
ECUs allow remote control of household devices
Ken Jelinek, OTR/L, occupational therapist, Rehabilitation Medicine Outpatient Clinic, University of Washington Medical Center
Environmental control units (ECUs) allow alternative control for
lights, fans, windows and window coverings, entertainment systems,
telephones, doors, thermostats, kitchen appliances, beds, attendant
call systems, security systems and other electrical appliances or
systems. They range from simple, low-cost devices to complex and expensive
systems. Many of the simpler ECUs are now available "off the
shelf" in the consumer electronics sections of retail stores
and on the Internet. Some devices are designed specially as assistive
technology while others, such as the TV remote control, are widely
available.
How are ECUs operated? ECUs can be operated using touch, voice,
breath, or eye gaze to select a function directly or to choose from
a series of options. A computer (with or without adaptations), wheelchair
joy stick, or alternative communication device may access an ECU.
How do they work? ECUs send information to a device or application
by infrared light (e.g., TV remote), radio frequency (e.g., garage
door opener), through the AC household electrical wiring, and by other
means. Systems available include the following:
X-10 system: For the person who can push buttons, a basic X-10
system utilizing existing household wiring can be the simplest and
least expensive ECU. Household devices such as lamps, radios and fans
are plugged into X-10 receivers, which in turn are plugged into wall
outlets. The appropriate buttons on the controller turn the devices
on and off. X-10 products are available from commercial outlets for
about $35. A web resource is www.gadgethome.com.
Limitations: Choices cannot be made within a particular device; for
example, the radio station cannot be changed with an X-10 controller.
Infrared system: Infrared is the most versatile and common
mode for integrating ECU systems. For the person who can push buttons,
there are trainable infrared remote controls available commercially
that allow the TV, CD player and other appliances and devices to be
accessed with a single remote. They are available in most large electronics
entertainment stores for about $100. A web resource is at www.x10.com/products/x10
_ur74a.htm.
Telephones operated by single or multiple switches
Via infrared can be viewed at www.tashinc.com/catalog/env_sicare.html.
Limitations: Infrared requires a direct line of sight and is blocked
by many materials.
Radio system: Although devices using radio signals can be used
as the primary control mode, they are most often used to repeat signals
from infrared or X-10 devices to other rooms, because of radio signals'
ability to travel longdistances and pass through walls and other objects.
A web resource is www.x10.com/products/x10_pm5900.htm.
Limitations: Radio frequency does not allow volume control or changing
channels on a TV or CD player. There are also interference and privacy
concerns with radio signals.
AC power: Numerous electrical devices utilize the existing
110-volt wiring in a dwelling or business. For example, a strike plate
switch opens a door for people who are able to hit the switch.
Limitations: Electrical devices could theoretically be wired individually
to an ECU controller but this is rarely done because of cost.
Integrated system: The following example utilizes a voice-activated
control unit to send signals to receivers utilizing various modes.
1. The user says "Call Chuck." Infrared signals are sent
to make a phone call using an infrared-enabled telephone.
2. The user says "Porch light on." Radio signals are sent
to turn on the porch light via radio frequency-enabled X-10 receivers.
3. The user says "Turn on the TV." Infrared signals are
sent to an infrared enabled X-10 unit.
4. The user says "Channel 7." Infrared signals are sent
to change the TV channel.
5. A few minutes later, the doorbell rings and the user says "Unlock
the front door." Radio frequency signals are sent to let Chuck
in the house.
Limitations: A system such as this may cost several thousand dollars.
Web resources include www.tashinc.com/catalog/env_sicare.html
and www.automated living.com/.
Conclusions: Although individuals may purchase simple ECUs
directly, consultation with a professional is strongly recommended
for complex access issues. Occupational therapists, speech pathologists
and rehabilitation counselors and other professionals are available
to provide assistance in rehabilitation centers that serve people
with significant disabilities.
Resources: A comprehensive web site listing a variety of ECU
manufacturers is available at www.abledata.com/.
Information on funding of ECUs is available from WATA at: http://uwctds.washington.edu/resources/legal/funding%20manual/index.htm
Update on DSHS funding for AAC devices
Patricia Dowden, Ph.D., CCC-Sp; Mark Russel, MS, CCC, ATP; Ross Baarslag-Benson, MS, CCC
Last fall, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) proposed
changes to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) relating to Augmentative
and Alternative (AAC) devices. One of the most significant was an
attempt to allow DSHS Medicaid funding only for "dedicated"
devices, i.e. equipment that functions only for creating voice output
messages as opposed to, for example, a laptop computer that may also
serve other functions. The hope was to prevent abuse of the funding
system by families or patients who wanted to acquire computers for
purposes other than communication output.
Approximately 20 people attended a hearing Nov. 27, including people
who use AAC, speech language pathologists, AAC vendors and other advocates.
Others sent written comments. Testimony was unanimously opposed to
the proposed changes. Objections included:
o Current and proposed rules are confusing and contradictory.
o The proposed definition of an Augmentative Communication Device
(ACD) is inaccurate and technically incorrect.
o Restricting funding only to "dedicated" ACDs would limit
future funding of many devices currently funded by DSHS simply because
they are compatible with a computer or printer.
o DSHS has a history of excluding communication devices based on personal
computers or other consumer electronic products, although this is
not currently stated in the WAC as an exclusion. The proposed change
attempts to formalize this exclusion, preventing many individuals
from obtaining needed equipment and keeping prices artificially high
since dedicated devices tend to be more expensive than non-dedicated
devices.
Other testimony objected to DSHS rules that have been in place for
years, including:
o It is inappropriate for DSHS to limit funding to ACDs to be used
for "medical" purposes, i.e. communicating medical information.
According to the WAC, ACDs are intended to "compensate"
for communication impairment, regardless of what or to whom a person
is communicating.
o It is inappropriate for DSHS to define ACDs in terms of device characteristics,
e.g. whether it produces voice output. An appropriate definition would
be any device or strategy that compensates for a severe communication
impairment.
An "ACD WAC Stakeholders Workgroup" met Jan. 31 in Olympia.
The agenda began with a focus on "laptop computer coverage policy"
but in the end, it appeared that DSHS is considering clarifications
and other changes that would base policy on consumer need rather than
device characteristics. This would permit funding eligibility for
computers and handheld devices that function as ACDs, as well as for
devices that connect to computers or printers.
The final outcome is not yet known, but we are optimistic our concerns
were heard. Consumers and professionals can have a voice in shaping
policy when we work together for change. We will provide updates through
this bulletin and/or the WASH-AT email discussion list.
Calendar of Events
An Introduction to Assistive Technology: Summer Institute 2002
June 25 - 28, 2002, Seattle, WA
The University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability
Studies will offer "An Introduction to Assistive Technology:
Summer Institute 2002", a series of workshops June 25 - 28, 2002
at the UW Seattle campus. Workshops can be taken together ($395),
separately at $40-100 per workshop, or $120 for one complete day of
workshops. Academic credit, clock hours, and certificate of completion
are available for those completing the entire Institute. For more
information including registration contact UWCTDS at 800-841-8345
V/TTY, uwctds@u.washington.edu (email), or on the web at http://uwctds.washington.edu/si2002/.
Schedule:
Tuesday, June 25
9:00 AM-Noon, Assistive Technology: The Fundamentals
1:00-3:00 PM, Seating, Positioning, and Mobility
3:00-4:30 PM, Environmental Control Units
Wednesday, June 26
9:00AM-3:00 PM, Computer Access Technologies
3:00-4:30 PM, Hearing Assistance Technology
Thursday, June 27
9:00 AM-Noon, Augmentative and Alternative Communication
1:00-3:00 PM, Web Accessibility and Individuals with Low Vision or
Blindness
3:00-5:00 PM, Funding for Assistive Technology
Friday, June 28
9:00 AM-2:30 PM, Technology for People with Learning Disabilities
2:30-4 PM, Putting It All Together: Case Studies and Consultations
AAC in the Mountains 2002 Conference: AAC and Assistive Technology
in the Curriculum
July 18-19, Park City, Utah
Featured workshops: "Look Who's REALLY Talking: Communication
Success in the Classroom" led by Dr. Caroline Musselwhite, and
"Assistive Technology in the Curriculum" led by Kelly Fonner,
M.S., CCC-SLP. For more information phone 435-645-7737, fax 435-658-0925,
email catalog@creative-comm.com.
AHEAD 2002 Conference and Exhibit Hall: 25th Anniversary Celebration,
Reframing Disability
July 8 - 12, Crystal City, Virginia
The Association of Higher Education and Disability's annual conference
will include topics such as universal design, transition, legal issues,
and best practices. Information and registration: AHEAD Conference
Registration, c/o AHEAD, UMass - Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston,
MA 02125-3393 or on the web at www.ahead.org/conference/2002/frames.html.
For calendar updates, visit the Web at
http://wata.org/calendar.htm
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The WATA Bulletin is supported by grant H224A3006 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education, to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Olympia, WA.