Accessibility and Smart Housing: Technology for All

Technology is transformative in so many ways. 

When used correctly, it can make our lives easier, simpler and a whole lot more fulfilling. This is especially true when discussing how to make homes more accessible. The elderly, disabled and other groups with specific needs can radically enhance their lives by introducing smart home technology. 

In this article, we dig a little deeper into how smart technology has been honed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for everyone. Let’s take a look.

What does smart, accessible housing *mean*?

Accessible, smart home technology is designed to make day-to-day life that bit easier. The right technology can help those with additional needs gain further control over such things as:

• Room temperature
• Kitchen appliances
• Security
• Lights
• Entertainment systems, such as television

In many cases, these areas of the home are being controlled by an interconnected system, the control of which is centred on our phones, tablets and laptops. Smart apps can be connected to heating, helping to simplify and streamline energy efficiency, as well as a home’s lighting system. For those who struggle with mobility, these technological advances are genuinely transformational for home living.

Voice commands

Despite the popularity of apps, voice commands have also been an enormous help for those with additional needs. Amazon’s Alexa, for instance, has skyrocketed in sales and has quickly become a staple of British households. Again, those with mobility restrictions are finding this additional help instrumental in day-to-day life.

Security

The security industry has quickly embraced the development of smart home technology. Quite rightly, too: the benefits for home and building owners have been nothing short of remarkable. Take our own advanced wireless intercoms, for example. When installed, these devices maintain the highest level of security while enhancing accessibility and ease of use. The ability to manage a building through video link on a phone or computer when off-premises has been an enormous step forward, not just for the industry but for customers looking for greater accessibility, too.

What does the future hold?

According to the Department for Work and Pensions’ Family Resources Survey, 16 million people in the UK live with a disability, which is almost a quarter of the entire population. Making home life easier and more secure should undoubtedly be the prime goal of smart home technology moving forward. How will this be done? A number of ways.

AI technology and its boundless possibilities will significantly impact smart home technology in ways that are difficult to predict. Apple’s recent step into VR could herald further opportunities in the smart home technology space, as their wearable devices do currently. Ultimately, many of the advances that will be made can be drilled down to a simple aim: connectivity. The more connectivity and integration present in home technology, the better.

Conclusion

The best part? This is only the beginning. Smart home technology, whether that be safety or accessibility, will continue to innovate over the next decade, enhancing the home lives of millions around the world. We can’t wait to see how this fascinating industry continues to adapt to a rapidly changing world.