Environmental Control Units (ECU’s) are units that allow control of the immediate environment through use of an alternate operating device. ECU’s can include:
- a remote control for an appliance such as a television or air conditioner
- universal remote controls which can be programmed to combine a range of remotes into one device such as the television, DVD player and digital set top box
- timing devices used to monitor time which turn on and shut off at set times such as sprinklers or bedside lamps
- switch adapted appliances to reduce the need for fine motor control to operate appliance buttons or controls
- wireless or wall switch systems allowing use of a wall switch or remote control to send radio signals to operate single/multiple systems or appliances
- custom built ECU’s being able to operate one appliance at a time such as a bedside lamp, electric bed or radio (either switch activated or infrared remote)
- specialised appliances purpose built for operation via switch system, voice activation or remote control such as telephones
- ECU’s that can operate multiple appliances or systems from the one device. Examples of this include; being able to adjust air conditioning, open and shut doors, turn appliances on and off or turn lights on or off. These units are generally run from mains power and consist of a remote, modules and/or a receiver
- houses or workplaces ‘smart wired’ to allow for computer control to operate electrically operated devices such as adjusting temperature, lights, door and window operation and turning appliances on and off—these can be operated via specialised keyboards or switch operated software
- specialised ECU’s which can operate through a range of methods and can copy or learn the controls of an existing remote and allow easier operation.
Environmental Control units can be customised to allow operation using a keypad or switch system, voice activation, head movement, touch screen operation or a combination of activation methods.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with physical restrictions which make it difficult for them to operate functions in the workplace independently, an environmental control unit may be able to assist in improving independence and productivity. Units could be considered to allow adjustment of office temperature, turning lights on and off, locking and unlocking doors, turning computer or other electrical appliances on and off or hands free phone use. To determine the suitability and appropriateness of environmental control units to assist in overcoming physical restrictions within the workplace, an assessment by an occupational therapist is recommended.
When choosing an appropriate environmental control unit, it is important to consider:
- the area and types of devices to be operated
- the physical capacity an individual has to operate a system
- whether operation can be done without assistance or some manual operation is still required
- capacity of the user to learn to operate a system
- back up system in case of emergency or device failure
- capacity of the system to be used without ECU if multiple persons using same environment
- cost and capacity for system design, set up, ongoing support and maintenance.
Other information that may be useful for individuals wanting to remain independent in the workplace can be found at these links:
References
Break Boundaries (no date specified), REACH, Break Boundaries, Burlington, viewed 17 February 2011, http://www.breakboundaries.com/.
LifeTec Queensland (no date specified), Environmental Control Units (ECU), LifeTec Queensland, Brisbane, viewed 17 February 2011, http://www.lifetec.org.au/_uploads/factsheets/ECU_elec.pdf.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2011, Computer Access & Environmental Control: Environmental Control Units, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 17 February 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=62&MinC=70.
Zygo Industries, Inc. 2011, Access Computer Keyboards, Zygo Industries, Inc., California, viewed 17 February 2011, http://www.zygo-usa.com/products.html.
Zygo Industries, Inc. 2011, Speaker Telephone, Zygo Industries, Inc., California, viewed 17 February 2011, http://www.zygo-usa.com/products.html.
Zygo Industries, Inc. 2011, Environmental Controls, Zygo Industries, Inc., California, viewed 17 February 2011, http://www.zygo-usa.com/.