Environmental Controls

Environmental Controls tablet

Independence is within your reach

Environmental Controls (EC) enable individuals with limited mobility to operate the home environment. Using touch or switch controls, individuals can use a tablet or other smart device to remotely manage lights, locks, a thermostat, and more. Whether a person has physical disabilities or is choosing to age in place, Environmental Controls provide greater independence, privacy, and safety.

Our Environmental Controls system wirelessly integrates with a tablet to provide access to various components of the home, including:

  • Controlling who has access to your home through video doorbell technology and remotely locking doors

  • Adjusting the comfort level of your home through smart thermostats, ceiling fans, overhead lights, and lamps

We provide multiple options for tablet access, such as attaching it to a wall or furniture, a wheelchair mount, or a floor stand.

Voice control for EC systems is currently in development.

The EC system can also be paired with our SimplyHome System.

See how Environmental Controls changes everything:

Three individuals who work with the Charles Lea Center, Anthony, Nathan, and Bobby, use technology to gain more independence in their home and freedom in their schedules: Trio of Charles Lea clients enjoying freedom, new home

The video below also features Environmental Controls, narrating Anthony's journey as he navigates family expectations and his own desire for independence:

See how Environmental Controls can work with a SimplyHome System for Overnight Supports.

This video, created by Tennessee Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (TN DIDD), features technology from SimplyHome’s partnership with TN DIDD.

A custom-built SimplyHome Environmental Controls system was also featured on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition:

Pricing

Pricing varies depending on customization. Because each system is as unique as the individuals we serve, the system price varies depending on the concerns being addressed.

Specifications

What’s in the box?

Items in the box depend on your specific customizations, but will include the SimplyHome controller, power cord, ethernet cord, and selected sensors or devices, based on the SimplyHome assessment process.

Requirements

  • Wi-Fi or Ethernet access
  • Tablet or smartphone
  • SimplyHome-installed software

General FAQ

What is the benefit of Environmental Controls?

  • You can control different items of your household by a smart phone or a tablet. You can turn lights on and off and adjust the temperature in your home
  • Helps people who lack full mobility through the use of a tablet or smart phone that can be activated by touch or a switch
  • Increased independence can reduce the need for paid staff, cut down on demands of the family and provide some much-needed privacy for the individual with a disability

Is private pay my only option?

No. While private pay is always an option, our technology may also be covered through long-term care insurance, Medicaid (differs from state to state), and charitable programs or grants.

What is the installation like?

A SimplyHome Representative will be onsite to assist with the installation.

How do I get started?

Complete our Intake Form.

Are the Environmental Control items wireless?

It depends on the product. We provide a wired and wireless solution for most of our products, but wiring is required for some products. The primary environmental control solution that requires wiring would be control of overhead lights.

How are the Environmental Control items installed in my home?

SimplyHome Environmental Controls must be installed by a SimplyHome approved technician. The type of installation depends on the type of environmental control solution provided and the type of user interface provided. The technology we utilize is unobtrusive and often requires minimal setup and maintenance once installed.

Do I have to purchase all new equipment or can you work with an existing tablet I own?

In most cases you can use a tablet that you already own. Our environmental control solutions work on Android, Apple iOS, and Windows tablet devices. However, recent versions of these devices are required and we cannot guarantee compatibility.

Can the Environmental Controls work in conjunction with my current security system?

No, your current security system cannot be paired to work with a SimplyHome Environmental Controls system.

Tapping an icon on a tablet is difficult for me. Do you have any solutions for this?

To provide solutions for difficulty using icons on tablets, we provide adaptive switches and the ability to customize user interface on a tablet to create larger buttons.