Living independently is challenging for people with cerebral palsy due to the physical limitations they face. Tasks that might be simple for others, like unlocking a door or adjusting the lights, can be difficult and exhausting. But assistive technology can make a significant difference to the lives of the NDIS participant. Smart home devices like digital door locks, smart lighting and voice-activated smart home assistants create a safer and more manageable environment. These tools help simplify daily tasks, reduce physical strain and make it possible for those with cerebral palsy take control of their lives.
We’ve seen firsthand how these devices can transform lives. They empower individuals to handle their daily routines independently, fostering a strong sense of confidence and autonomy. For someone with cerebral palsy, having the ability to control their environment with just a voice command or a tap on a smartphone can mean the difference between struggling through the day and living comfortably.
This article explores the role assistive technology is playing in making life better for people with cerebral palsy. We’ll focus on Sarah, a 30-year-old living with this condition. For Sarah, her physical limitations make everyday tasks hard but with the help of certain smart home devices, she is building the confidence to control her environment and live safely. It doesn’t replace the need for human care, but assistive technology is providing a helping hand.
Before we dig into the details, here are some resources on cerebral palsy and assistive technology you may find helpful:
- For the official definition of assistive technology according to the Australian Government, refer to the NDIS website at this page Assistive Technology Guideline.
- Check out these incredible organisations providing support for those with cerebral palsy and their carers:
CPL – Disability Support Services in QLD
Cerebral Palsy Alliance
NDIS & Cerebral Palsy
NDIS
Smart home devices helpful to those with cerebral palsy
Given cerebral palsy is a condition that affects body movement and muscle coordination, the most popular smart home devices are those that reduce the need for movement and physical operation. The smart home assistant tops this list, where operation can be entirely controlled through voice activation. This is the same case with most of the smart home devices we install. Even without a smart home assistant like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, the task is operated through touch via the smartphone or, where compatible, the smart watch. Following is the list, with links to each individual device.
- Smart door locks
- Video camera doorbells
- CCTV and wireless security cameras
- Smart lighting
- Smart home assistants
- Smart garage and gate openers
- Smart air conditioner or smart aircon controller
The benefits of a smart door lock for those with cerebral palsy
For anyone with limited mobility and dexterity, a smart door lock offers convenience. But for someone with cerebral palsy, it can truly be life-changing. It eliminates the need to use a key to let yourself in. Instead, the door can be unlocked through a smartphone app or a voice command. The smart locks we install let you create access codes for trusted individuals, like caregivers or family members, providing them with easy entry when they visit. This feature is particularly useful for granting temporary access, whether it’s for a tradesperson addressing a house issue or a friend staying for a short visit. Set the code to work between a specified time period, or simply delete it once the code is no longer required.
Where possible, depending on the existing door, we’ll install a deadbolt smart door lock. For someone with cerebral palsy, this added layer of security provides not only peace of mind for them but also reassurance for their caregivers.
Smart lighting improves home safety
Physically moving around the home is a challenge for those with cerebral palsy. Assistive technology can significantly reduce the need to move for everyday tasks such as switching lights on and off. It’s necessary, frequently required but shouldn’t be risky or frustrating. The solution is smart lighting. Controlling the lights is now easy through the phone app or voice command, if a smart home assistant has been installed. Smart lights can also be programmed to automatically turn on or off, depending on the time of the day. Like the lights to dim at night? That can be automated too. The same goes for having the lights turn on in the morning, all without needing to touch a switch or even use an app.
Answer the door without moving using a smart video doorbell
A smart video doorbell greatly improves security of the home. A traditional doorbell lets you know someone is at the door but it doesn’t show you who. A smart doorbell alerts you to their presence and gives you the ability to see who it is, without making a move. If it’s a delivery, request it be left at the door, via the two-way voice communication, from wherever you are. Or where voice is a challenge, a number of frequently used responses can be programmed into the app and activated with the touch of a button.
When a video doorbell is paired with a digital door lock, managing visitors becomes effortless. For instance, if Sarah’s carer or therapist is visiting, she’ll get a notification when they’re at the front door. No matter where she is at that time, she can easily unlock the door remotely, allowing them to enter without her needing to physically open it herself.
A video doorbell is also a safety tool. The ability to review past recordings gives Sarah and her caregivers an extra layer of security, allowing them to keep track of who has visited, ensuring her well-being at all times.
Enhancing safety with a smart garage door or gate opener
Depending on the severity of their disability, some people with cerebral palsy may be able to drive. Even if driving isn’t possible, most homes have a garage. Being able to operate it easily and safely is a great benefit to anyone with limited mobility. Most modern garages are operated by a remote or fob so they are easy to physically open. But using these small remote buttons can be difficult, let alone making sure the remote doesn’t get lost. With a smart garage, operation is done via your phone app. This also reduces the risk of someone finding the remote and opening the garage without your permission. It’s another way to keep your home secure at all time, day and night.
The same can be said of a front electric gate opener. A front gate is great for security reasons but it may not be convenient for someone with cerebral palsy to operate. By installing a gate opener, someone in Sarah’s situation can open the gate for a visitor from anywhere with the touch of a button on their smartphone or voice command when integrated with a smart home assistant.
A smart aircon for a comfortable home environment
For people with cerebral palsy, it’s important for their health and well-being to maintain a comfortable home environment. Installing a smart air conditioner is the easy solution to controlling the temperature of the home. Via the smartphone app or voice command, Sarah can adjust the temperature up or down in an instant or set the thermostat for constant temperature management. This assistive technology can also be programmed to adjust automatically, changing as the temperatures naturally change throughout the day and night.
We can either install a completely new smart aircon split system or upgrade your existing split system with a smart infrared remote. Retrofitting your existing split system is the economical way to take advantage of the latest technology without a new installation.
If you’re considering a new air conditioning system, we offer state-of-the-art smart aircon split systems for as many rooms as you need. Our top-tier models come packed with features, allowing you to control the heating and cooling of your home from an app, no matter where you are. This advanced control system ensures high efficiency, reducing unnecessary costs often linked with traditional aircon systems.
Just schedule a free quote with us and we can discuss the options available to you or the person under your care.
Security cameras for peace of mind
Feeling safe and secure at home is something we all have a right to experience. Being physically challenged heightens your vulnerability. These days, installing a security camera system is straightforward, and many homes in Brisbane have already done so. Whether you need a comprehensive CCTV system or a more flexible wireless camera setup, we can work with you or the person you care for to install a security system tailored to your specific needs.
To better understand the options and features of each, refer to our CCTV page and our wireless security camera page.
A smart home assistant for single app management
For more on the benefits a smart home assistant delivers to the NDIS participant, refer to our article – Smart Home Assistants: Streamlining Life for NDIS Participants.
A day in the life of Sarah with the help of Assistive Technology
– Smart door lock
– Video camera doorbell
– Wireless security camera on the exterior
– Smart lighting
– Smart aircon upgrade
– Smart home assistant
7:00 AM
Sarah’s day starts as her smart lights gradually brighten, gently waking her up without the jarring sound of an alarm. The soft light helps her transition from sleep to wakefulness, making it easier to start the day. She uses voice commands to adjust the lights in her bedroom and bathroom, ensuring she has the right level of brightness as she gets ready.
8:00 AM
As Sarah moves to the kitchen for breakfast, the smart lights in the hallway and kitchen turn on via voice, guiding her path. With her limited mobility, these lights help her move around safely without having to reach for switches. The convenience of smart lighting makes her morning routine smoother and less physically demanding.
10:30 AM
Sarah’s carer arrives as per the usual routine. As she is a trusted person she has her own code to enter the house. Even though Sarah knows she is coming, she receives a notification from her smart video doorbell, alerting her to the carers arrival.
2:00 PM
As the afternoon progresses, Sarah decides to step outside for some fresh air. She uses her phone to lock the door behind her with a quick tap, ensuring her home is secure while she’s out. The digital door lock makes it easy for her to manage security without fumbling with keys.
3:00 PM
Sarah’s speech therapist is making a house call to check-in. Sarah has scheduled this appointment on her calendar and because she has set up the calendar to sync with the smart home assistant, she is reminded of this appointment 15 minutes prior. As soon as the therapist arrives at the door Sarah is notified and she is able to open the door via a voice command. These tasks are all done without Sarah having to move from her current location.
6:00 PM
Sarah receives a reminder from the smart home assistant to take her medication. It’s just another way to check off the many things on the daily to-do list.
6:30 PM
As the sun sets and natural light fades, the smart lighting system activates, automatically turning on a series of preprogrammed lights throughout the house.
9:00 PM
Sarah prepares for bed. Before settling in, with a simple command of the smart home assistant, she ensures all doors are locked and turns off any lights. The smart aircon has been programmed to adjust automatically to a cooler temperature for a comfortable night’s rest.
This is assistive technology making life at home for those with cerebral palsy a reality.
How assistive technology is helping parents of children with cerebral palsy
Smart home devices can be incredibly beneficial for parents of a child with cerebral palsy, providing much-needed support and making daily routines more manageable. Here are some ways these assistive tech devices can help create a safer and more comfortable home environment for a child with cerebral palsy.
- Smart door locks provide instant alerts when the front door is opened, adding an extra layer of security and giving parents peace of mind, knowing their child can’t wander outside unnoticed.
- Wireless or CCTV cameras allow parents to monitor their child’s activities from another room, ensuring safety without being intrusive. These cameras can also be installed in areas of the house that may pose safety risks, providing real-time alerts if the child enters these spaces.
- For children with cerebral palsy, who may struggle to regulate their body temperature, a smart air conditioner can help by keeping the room at a consistent and comfortable temperature, making the home environment more suitable to their needs.
- Overall, a smart home can free up a parent’s time and energy, allowing them to focus more on caring for their child. By automating simple, everyday tasks, parents can spend more quality time with their child who needs their attention.
Smarter Homes Australia empowers NDIS participants be independent
It’s a privilege to enhance the lives of many through the installation of assistive technology in homes. Daily we are given access to NDIS participants’ homes and lives and it’s a service we hope to continue providing for years ahead. We look forward to extending these benefits to you or the person under your care.
Like to learn more about the best assistive technology solutions for your home, take advantage of our free quote offer. We’ll visit your home, evaluate the situation, and provide you with a personalised plan for your consideration. Please contact us and schedule your free quote or installation in South-East Queensland today.
Cerebral Palsy and Assistive Technology FAQs
- Do you work with NDIS participants?
Yes we do, all the time. Refer to our specific guide to NDIS participants for more information.
- Do you work with NDIS participants outside of SE Qld?
No unfortunately we don’t. We only service South-East Queensland for installation, however we can provide products-only through our Smarter Store.
- How do I know what Assistive Technology is funded through NDIS?
As a starting point, check out the NDIS website information provided at this address – What assistive technology do we fund? Or ask your Plan Manager, Support Worker or Occupational Therapist who should have the experience to answer your specific questions. At Smarter Homes Australia we currently support all NDIS participants who are plan and self-managed with their funding, however we cannot provide the approval that is required from your support team.
- What are the next steps and how do I arrange a quote?
After taking a look at the services we offer, simply fill out the contact form on our website and let us know what you’re interested in. From there our team can provide you with an in-person or online quote to discuss further with your support team.
