Taylors Lakes SDA Home

The brief

Three friends, all wheelchair users with high support needs, were moving into a purpose-built home together. Their families wanted more than a house that worked. They wanted each resident to open his own doors, run his own lights and entertainment, make his own calls and check his own schedule without waiting for help. Each was at home on a different system, so we worked with what each of them already knew: the house had to speak Apple, Google and Alexa at once.

What we installed

Doors that open as a resident approaches them, no button hunt, no waiting. Lighting, blinds, garage and climate answering to voice and to timers, integrated through a wired control relay so it works every single time. A communication setup tailored to how each resident communicates, including for a non-verbal resident. Support workers come and go on their own codes. And because independence needs backup, the installation came with assessment, training for residents and staff, and one number to call whenever anything needs a hand. That last part is the job: the technology opens the doors, being looked after is what makes it home.

Tags:  Automated doors, Lighting, Automated blinds, Garage and gate, Smart locks, Sensors, Climate control, Multi-room audio, Assistive technology, Scene automation

What changed

The residents run their own home. Doors open for them, lights answer them, and independence stopped being something scheduled around support hours.

"I can't believe the emotional growth and self-confidence I have witnessed in my son. Smart home technology has made it possible for him to grow up and live independently in a way I never thought would have been possible."

FAQs

Can assistive technology like this be funded?

Often, yes. Depending on the participant's plan, assistive technology of this kind may be funded through the NDIS, typically with an occupational therapist involved in the assessment. Working through that process is not something families face alone: we work alongside OTs and providers from assessment to handover. See our Assistive Technology section for detail.

What if residents use different platforms?

That was exactly the case here. The installation works across Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa simultaneously, so each resident controls the home through the system he already knows rather than learning a new one.

Credits: Designed by Illowra.

Pathways: Assistive Technology  ·  Information for OTs  ·  Convenience (What We Do)