Conference presentation
Smart Devices: Environmental Control System (ECS) Case Study
Recent Advances in Assistive Technology & Engineering (RAatE), 2014 (Birmingham, United Kingdom, 24-Nov-2014)
2014
Abstract
Introduction: Environmental control systems (ECS) offer people with severe physical impairments some autonomy in controlling electronic devices in their own environment (Verdonck et al 2011). It is now possible for people to use their own Smart Devices as ECS. This means that ECS are now more accessible to all occupational therapists rather than isolated to assistive technology experts. Method: This case study describes how a young gentleman was enabled to use his own Smartphone as an ECS in a rehabilitation setting. Assistive technology trialled included a single switch, a switch-adapter, and commercially available mounts. Findings: A 23year old recent university graduate's ECS journey is described. Mick sustained a C4 ASIA A Spinal Cord Injury and had compromised functional ability due to bilateral elbow flexion contractures. Interventions focused on access to and navigation of the Smartphone. This included mounting of devices; consideration of switch use; adjustment of everyday devices, trial of the devices in therapy and transfer of same to use on ward. Conclusion: Successful ECS use in this case was aided by the use of the client's own device and the early inclusion of ECS in the rehabilitation setting aided successful adoption of this type of assistive technology. The integration of ECS functions within mainstream smart devices has made ECS more accessible to both occupational therapists and patients. Smart devices facilitate the incorporation of ECS into physical rehabilitation, thereby enhancing autonomy for service users with significant physical disabilities. Early introduction of ECS incorporated into service users' own technology has been demonstrated to support successful utilisation
Details
- Title
- Smart Devices: Environmental Control System (ECS) Case Study
- Authors
- Michele Verdonck (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringFiona Maye (Author) - National Rehabilitation HospitalSebrina Joyce (Author) - University College Dublin
- Conference details
- Recent Advances in Assistive Technology & Engineering (RAatE), 2014 (Birmingham, United Kingdom, 24-Nov-2014)
- Date published
- 2014
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Reproduced here with kind permission of the authors.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Occupational Therapy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449277502621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
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