Remote Control Devices for the TV and Other Appliances

ATI 2009Feb. 7, 2009

Kathleen Shanfield, OTR/L, MS,CVE kshanfield@aol.com

CARTCenter for Applied RehabilitationTechnology

Interdisciplinary Team– OT, PT, SP, ATS, Medical Director

Services – evaluate, recommend and train– Seating, positioning and powered mobility– Computer access– Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)– Electronic Aids for Daily Living (EADL)

Service Delivery Payers/Referral Agencies– DOR, CCS, Regional Center,PPO/HMO, MediCal,

MediCare, Private

Who we See

• Inpatients• Outpatients• Diagnoses (physical impairments):

CVA, BI, SCI, Muscle Diseases, Cerebral Palsy, ALS, Gullian Barre, etc.

• All ages

CART Philosophy

Assistive Technology should work the

first time, every time

Assistive Technology is:Matching the individual with a system

Assistive Technology is NOT:Forcing the individual to work with a system

Learning Objectives

• Explore the variety of Electronic Aids for Daily Living (EADL’s) and features.

• Gain knowledge of variety of methods to operate traditional and adapted TV remote controllers

• Provide resources for learning more about EADL’s.

Electronic Aids for Daily Living (EADL)

formerly known as ECU devices

Electronic Aids to Daily Living

• Remote Control of electronic and electric devices

• Purposes:– Energy Conservation– Increased quality of life– Reduced attendant care– Independence and increased

engagement in occupations of value to the individual.

EADL Evaluation

• Daily roles and activities• Goals for technology• Types and location of electronics to be controlled. • Physical evaluation/Access

– Vision– Motor control– Cognition

• Technical Support in the home • Funding

Physical AccessLooking for easiest method

• Direct Access (traditional and adapted remotes)

– Can use hands/fingers/head/feet to operate buttons

– Positioning of user and device– Use of splints/pointers

• Indirect Access– Switches and scanning

• Voice access

Vision and Cognition

• Visual deficits can require modifications to remote control device and training.

• Cognitive deficits will indicate level of complexity for device.– Ability to remember sequences– Ability to problem solve if device doesn’t perform– Literacy/ability to recognize symbols, shapes, etc– Amount of assistance required.

Controlling electronics in the home

• Determine what client wants to do• Determine where client wants control

– Room by room device/tasks

• TV,DVD, DVR, stereo, cable (Infra-red) control/ room

• Lights, fans, radio, (X-10) on/off• Doors, curtains, hospital bed, feeding devices,

page turners, call bells, etc.• Need the EADL and the device to perform the

function, i.e. automatic door opener device in addition to EADL device.

• Determine best access method for needs

How do EADL’s Work?• X-10 Technology: lights, fans, and any

electric appliance– on/off – Uses wiring/outlets in the house– Requires device (lamp,fan,etc), module, and

base

• Infrared Technology: TV, DVD, stereo,etc.– Multiple functions– Usually need existing remote controller to program new

remote

• Integrated– Controls both

“Training” IR Remotes

• May require you to input the code for the TV, VCR, etc. into the device for it to work. Codebook usually comes with the device.

• My require you to place existing remote “nose to nose” with new remote and push desired function buttons to “train” new remote.

• Some devices can combine functions into “macros” so that multiple functions can be done with one button.

• Requires ability to read and follow directions, patience and the ability to call tech support if needed.

EADL Features Number and types of devices to be

controlled– Transmission ( infrared, or radio waves

(X-10))– Access methods– Setting changes (scan rate, scan array,

etc)– Feedback provided (auditory, visual or

tactile)

EADL Features

– Sequence to operate– Training Requirements-of device and user– Flexibility and/or expandability– Reliability– Ease of maintenance– Local Tech Support– Price

Remote Controls for TV/DVD/DVR

• Traditional Remote Controllers

• Adapted Remote Controllers

• EADL Systems-Integrated functions– Variety of access methods:voice, switch

scanning, etc

• ECU/EADL feature in AAC device

• ECU/EADL feature in wheelchairs

Universal Remote Controllers

Mounting and Typing Aids/Pointers can be the key!

Posture-Rite LaptrayNon-slip pad

Hard binder with velcroClear View Typing Aid

Pointers/Typing Sticks

Clear ViewTyping Aids

www.alimed.com

Wanchik Writer/Typerwww.sammonspreston.com

Mouthsticks

Swivel Mouth Stick Docking StationClamp-On Docking Station

www.sammonspreston.com

Headpointerwww.sammonspreston.com

Special TV remotes

• Larger size, big buttons• Small, simple, 4 buttons only• Multiple switches• Trainable remotes• Not all are compatible with satellite, direct

TV, etc• Need to call manufacturer to find out

www.maxiaids.com

www.enablingdevices.com $29.95

$14.95

$149.95$76.95

Indirect Access: Scanning

• Requires good visual tracking, good attention, and ability to sequence and anticipate action

• Requires very little motor control to make a selection

• Requires patience, low frustration tolerance, and motivation to succeed with method.

• Useful for a variety of Assistive Technology (AT) systems

Switches/Mounts

Variety of sourcesRange in price from $50.00 plus

Mounts

Universal Switch MountInfogrip.com

$219.00

Posture-Rite Lap DeskAmazon.com

$23.95

Kits-would include clamp,tubing, mounting plate,velcor, etc.

Varies

Switch Access/Scanning Integrated Systems

Mini Relax -TV only$329.00

Relax II-4 IR devicesTen X-10(fan, light) $649.00

ablenetinc.com

Switch Access/Scanning

James EADL248 functions-IR &X-10

saje-tech.com/james.htmlCall for price

Control Prog (GEWA)241 functions-IR&x-10www.zygo-usa.com/ $870.00

GEWA Progress256 IR functionszygo-usa.com/ $4,155.00

Single switchor voice recognition EADL’s

SciCare Light IIAblenetinc.com

$2100.00

Voice IR EADL broadenedhorizons.com/ voiceir.htm $500.00 and up

Saje PowerhouseSaje-tech.comCall for pricing

What’s New? REACH

REACH breakboundaries.com/

$6450.00

•Can use all methods of access:Voice, switch, mouse, joystick,etc.•Easy to set up and use•Can operate multitude of functions•Easy to mount on wh/chair•Computer based: has a Windows operating system and can be used as a computer also.

Integrated EADL systems(usually computer based)

• Should be installed professionally

• Can operate a multitude of devices and functions.

• Tech savvy caregivers/family needed

Single Device or Integrated into System

• Page Turners• Bed Controls• Call bells/Alarms• Temperature control/air conditioning• Automatic Door Openers• Telephones• Gaming Devices• Open/close curtains• MP3 player

EADL Functions in Communication Devices

Dynavox V-Maxhttp://www.dynavoxtech.com/

EADL Control through Wheelchair Controller

Q-Logic by Quantum Rehab

Funding EADL’s

• Not covered under Medicare, MediCal, or most private insurances

• Is covered if included in AAC device• ECU/EADL integrated contoller should be ordered with

the new wheelchair-then it is covered.• Usually out of pocket expense• Grants are available through a variety of sources to help

fund AT-check local Independent Living Center• Can be borrowed through CATE program• DOR, Regional Center has been known to fund EADL’s

if used for work or school.