Electronic Aids to Daily Living

 

Electronic aids to daily living (EADL) can assist individuals with disabilities to maximize independence in many areas of daily living and enhance the quality of life. In addition, it can also increase independence and participation in a meaningful occupation, reduce caregiver stress and help with energy conservation.

 

Basically, EADL are gadgets that provide an alternative method of accessing electronic equipment, such as:

• Lights

• Telephone, cell phone

• Call bells

• Door openers

• Bed controls

• Multimedia equipment (eg. TV, DVD, stereo)

 

They range in complexity from a single-switch device to a complex unit controlling multiple devices.

 

One of the most common forms of access to EADL is through a switch based system. These switches can be:

• Mechanical (eg button, toggle, touch)

• Proximity (activates when something (like a hand) is near it)

• Sip and puff (breath switch: sip and puff may activate different devices)

• Voice control

• Integrated access (switch access to control multiple devices)

 

• Call bell systems: hospital call bell, remote doorbell, baby monitor, Walkie talkie

• Door opener 

• Phones & cell phone modifications

• Multimedia equipment: TV, DVD, MP3 player, Game controllers 

• Computers, Scanning systems, programs

• Toys

 

Switches to access EADL’s can be mounted in stationary places such as a bed rail, night table, or a specific place on a wall. As well, it can be mounted onto wheelchairs.

 

 

 

Many EADL’s can be controlled with Infrared (IR), the same control that is in your TV remote.  Anything that has a remote control can be controlled with IR signals eg. TV, DVD, Stereo, etc.  Custom devices can be added to your home so that more things can be controlled using IR signals, eg. lights, heating, door openers etc.  

 

There are special universal remotes that can be programmed to control your household devices.   There are IR adapters that allow the user to control IR devices from an iPad, iPhone or computer.  Custom control pages are created on these devices to allow control of all the EADL’s in your home.  In addition, many Speech Generating Devices have IR capabilities and can be used to control EADL’s.

 

 

Another way to control EADL’s is through the use of driving controls on power wheelchairs.  One way to achieve this is to add devices or output modes from the wheelchair manufacturer that can communicate with EADL’s (ie IR, Bluetooth controllers).  Alternatively, separate devices such as DrivePoint can be wired into your wheelchair controller to allow the control of external EADL devices from your wheelchair driving controls. 

  

 

The following are funding possible sources for EADL: 

• Insurance companies

• Self pay

• WSIB

• Charity organizations, e.g., Ontario March of Dimes, President’s Choice Children Charity, Easter Seals

• Diagnosis specific organizations e.g., MS Society, OFCP, MDAC, ALS society

• Service clubs such as Lion’s Clubs, Rotary Clubs

 

The above information is a highlight of some of the most common uses and methods of EADL.  EADL can also be customized to meet the person’s need or enhance daily living. This can be done through an assessment at an EADL clinic or service. 

 

Resources:

 

Electronic Aids to Daily Living Service

Bloorview Kids Rehab

Phone:  (416) 425-6220 ext. 3510

e-mail:  jantczak@bloorview.ca 

Referral required. Request for service may be made by an individual, family member, caregiver or a professional. EADL is self-funded and fees will be charged for services.