COVID-19: Wheelchair Maintenance, Tips, and Quick Fixes

Note: the following article contains a detailed list of suggestions. Custom Mobility Inc. isn't liable for any damages or accidents that may occur to your equipment.

At the time of this article, COVID-19

has made life complicated. As a result, and to practice social distancing, companies are changing the ways that they conduct business. Custom Mobility is considered an “essential business,” meaning that we are open as usual. During this crucial time, we recognize that you may like to perform simple maintenance on your own, rather than having to wait on us. In order to help you maintain social distancing, and to make sure that your mobility devices remain in tip-top shape, here is a small list of simple fixes that you can perform at home.

If you are unable to perform any of these quick-fixes, or you need us to perform a complex repair, please schedule all appointments by either calling us at (727)539-8119, or by using our online portal located throughout our website.

For regular updates, click here to follow us on Facebook.

Please note: consult your owner’s manual before attempting any quick fixes. Avoid attempting complex repairs, or any action that may void manufacturer warranties.

My wheelchair is on, but it won’t move…

• Start by checking the motor to determine if it is engaged.
• If the motor is engaged but your wheelchair still won’t move, check to make sure that the joystick and battery wires are properly connected. 
• Our clients often have issues with their batteries. Please check your battery level to make sure that it is charged.
• If it isn’t charging, make sure the charger is plugged into both your wheelchair and a wall outlet.
• Before leaving your wheelchair to charge, double-check that the charger is on.
• Be careful not to overcharge your wheelchair’s battery
• Doing so will shorten the lifespan of your battery, which is expensive to replace.
• If you use your wheelchair every day, it’s best to charge it every night.
• If you don’t use your wheelchair often, try to plug it in once-a-week.
• When your wheelchair is finished charging, don’t forget to unplug it. If you charge your chair for more than one night, it could cause permanent damage. 

Casters

• In our industry, when referring to your wheelchair’s front wheels, we use the term “casters.” It’s wise to perform regular checks of your casters, just in case pet hair or debris begin to gunk up your bearings.

Tires

• The first step to fixing tire-related issues, is to determine the type of tires that are on your wheelchair.
• If your tires are solid, they won’t have air. The easiest way to figure this out, is to check whether they have air valves.
• If your tires are Pneumatic, it means that they must be inflated with air. You can tell whether a tire is Pneumatic by checking it for an air valve. Never inflated a tire? No problem! Click here to watch a helpful video.
• Remember, if you need physical assistance to fill a tire with air, be sure to ask a caregiver, family member, or friend.
• To be inflated, some tires require special valves. Schrader valves are more common and do not require an adapter. Presta valves require special adapters or air pumps that fit this valve. You can find these adapters at a bike shop or online. If you don’t have a pump, there’s a good chance that a friend or family member will. To learn more, check out this helpful video.

Armrests/Footrests

• To prevent your armrests and/or footrests from getting too loose, perform regular checks of your hardware’s tightness.
• Many of these components can be easily tightened with an allen wrench or screwdriver. If you are unable to do this yourself, ask your caregiver for assistance.

Even though these are difficult times, our Custom Mobility team will continue to provide you with the support that you need. If you are experiencing an issue that hasn’t been addressed in this article, please call us at (727)539-8119 or use our online portal located throughout our website.

Authors:
Mary Carol Peterson

Kyle Romano

Edited by:
Kyle Romano and Luis Rodriguez

How-To Guide: Affordable Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Purchasing a new vehicle is a big commitment. While many people expect to pay a lot for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV’s), there are a number of reliable and affordable options that may be available to you. We provide a lot of useful information in this article, so feel free to jump to any section that is most useful to you.

Why Should You Own Your Own WAV?

1. They reduce your chances of getting injured. To get a wheelchair in and out of your vehicle, you would have to lift it multiple times a day. Heavy lifting can be very dangerous because you are at risk of injuring important parts of your body, like your back and your neck.
2. With a wheelchair accessible vehicle, it’ll be much easier to get around on your own. As a result, you’ll be much more independent. Better access to your community will let you have much more fun, and will allow you to spend more time with friends and family.

The Basics

Wheelchair accessible vehicles don’t have to be intimidating! To help you along the way, let’s go over some important details:

• “Chassis” is a word that we use to describe the vehicle, itself. It’s important to note that vehicle chassis are taxed by the state.
• If you hear us use the term “conversion,” we are referring to any modifications that have been made to the vehicle. If your doctor provides a Letter of Medical Necessity, your conversion will not be taxed by the state, and will officially be considered a piece of “medical equipment.”
• There are two types of ramp conversions: side entry and rear entry. How do you figure out which kind is best for you?
• For more information, visit our showroom and check our vast inventory of WAVs in person. You can either stop in to speak with one of our experienced WAV specialists, or call us at (800)622-5151.
• Can’t come in? No problem! Click here to check out an Accessible Living article, which goes over everything in greater detail.

Let’s Talk Money

While there are grants to help you out, 95% of them will only pay for your vehicle’s conversion. What does that mean for you? While these grants pay for the part of your vehicle that has been modified, they don’t cover the cost of the vehicle, itself. This is actually great news, because it means that you may be able to buy a WAV for just the price of the vehicle! In fact, you might be able to purchase your WAV for half of its normal price. From finding the right vehicle, to determining the best configuration, to helping with your funding needs, our team of WAV experts can help you through the entire process!

Here are some affordable options:  

• Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
• Purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle is a smart way to get more for your money. This point remains true for all vehicles, including those that are wheelchair accessible! Our on-site inventory is huge, featuring a large number of pre-owned accessible vehicles. Most of our pre-owned WAVs have low mileage and are priced to sell. This means that our prices include the cost of each vehicle’s conversion, allowing us to be up-front and save you time.
• Trade-ins
• We take all types of trades, including vehicles that are not wheelchair accessible. Your trade-in value is calculated into the bottom-line price, which decreases your payments and taxes.
• Finance Options
• Our accessible vehicle specialists will find you the best interest rates, terms, finance options, and lease options. We’ll give you all the information you’ll need to make an informed decision, and support you through the entire process.
• New Vehicle Funding
• If you’re a Med Waiver recipient, you might qualify for a van conversion through the Med Waiver Program. This resource can cut the cost of a rear-entry minivan by up to 50%! As a Braunability dealer, we can provide information about a variety of grants and funding opportunities that are available to you. Click here to learn more.

Nationwide Funding

When it comes to funding for mobility equipment, some national foundations offer a wide range of financial assistance. Click here to learn more about them.

Regardless of your disability or location, these programs help a wide range of people. Some programs may cover the total cost of your mobility equipment, while others offer smaller grants. Either way, both options are great resources for you.

State Funding

While grants and funding programs are a great resource, it’s important to remember that they vary by state. Additionally, each one usually caters to individuals who have specific disabilities. Some states have a form of government assistance, called Vocational Rehabilitation. These services help people with disabilities find and maintain jobs. They are a very important resource, because they will help pay for mobility equipment that you need to work, and will make sure that everything at your job is accessible for you. Other states have additional programs related to financial assistance. These resources cover the cost of mobility equipment for individuals who have been injured, as the result of a vehicle accident. Click here to find out what your state offers.

Veteran Programs

If you are a veteran with a disability, there are a number of resources that can offer financial assistance for purchasing a WAV. For additional information, please contact your local Veterans Administration (VA), or work with your local dealer to receive your benefits. Click here to learn more about these programs, which are available to our disabled veterans.

Funding For Nonprofits

It can be a challenge for nonprofit organizations to transport people with disabilities. If your nonprofit needs wheelchair accessible transportation for either children or adults, there are a few organizations that provide financial support. Click here to learn more about the resources available to nonprofits.

Crowdfunding 

Even though it’s non-traditional, crowdfunding allows the community to show support for the needs of people with disabilities. This approach has helped a number of wheelchair users raise the necessary funds to purchase their WAVs. Click here to learn more about crowdfunding campaigns.

Automotive Discounts

When purchasing a WAV, most automotive manufacturers offer rebates or incentives. While these discounts will help with the cost of your vehicle, they may also reduce the cost of important equipment, including hand controls, transfer seats, wheelchair securement systems, and more. Click here to learn more about discounts for wheelchair accessible vehicles.

For now, that’s all the information we can report on! If new resources become available, we will be sure to keep you updated. Hopefully, this article helped to settle some of your nerves, and showed you that it’s definitely possible to own your own wheelchair accessible vehicle. There are a number of financial resources available to you, designed to assist with the purchase of the WAV that’s perfect for you. Whether you need a wheelchair or wheelchair accessible vehicle, our team is dedicated to helping you find the best mobility solution. You can count on us to help you maximize your potential, which means living a happy, healthy, and independent life.

Authors:

Mary Carol Peterson

Scott Yarosz

Edited by:

Kyle Romano

New Year, New Me

At the start of the new year, many people will make resolutions to get healthier, but have a difficult time sticking to their plans. I’m no different. I always wanted to get in shape, but never thought that it was possible. Because I’m a quad-amputee and a power wheelchair user, I was always worried about my physical limitations. My own anxiety made me think that it would be impossible for me to get in shape. I was both overwhelmed, and was unsure of how to start. But with a bit of ingenuity and help from family and friends, I quickly realized that this goal was actually possible! If you’re in a similar situation, I hope that my fitness experience can teach you about adapting exercises to make them more accessible.

Making the decision to work out is the first step. Before beginning, you should determine your ultimate fitness goals. Is losing weight your top priority? Maybe you’re looking to strengthen yourself to increase your mobility? No matter what your expectations are, your main goal should be an overall, healthier you!

Now, to lead a healthy lifestyle, I didn’t realize how committed I needed to be. Fitness requires you to pay attention to a few things, simultaneously! Firstly, you need to make sure that you’re eating healthy food. Most people don‘t realize how important it is to eat healthy, and to consume the right amount of calories. Qualities like your weight, your body type, and your weight-loss target, will impact the amount of calories you should be eating. 

All of these factors can be very confusing. Honestly, I still don’t understand all of them. Luckily, there are a variety of tools that can guide you along your journey. Apps like Under Armour’s MyFitness Pal are extremely useful. Based on your current weight, height, and weight loss target, MyFitnessPal calculates the appropriate amount of daily calories that you should eat. Just type in the food that you’ve eaten for each meal, and the app will keep track of everything. It can even factor in the calories that you’ve burned from your exercise routine. For those who have dietary restrictions or diabetes, be sure that you talk to your doctor before planning out a proper diet plan.

In addition to healthy eating, exercising is the second piece to solving the weight loss puzzle. This part can be particularly challenging for people with physical disabilities, myself included. If you are unsure about your limitations, and to prevent you from sustaining any injuries, it might be a good idea to ask your physical therapist, occupational therapist, or primary doctor, to provide you with a bit of guidance. It’s also important to remember that it takes time to get in shape. When you begin working out and dieting, this process may seem frustrating. Please remember to be patient with yourself. As long as you stick to your routine and continue to be persistent, your hard work will absolutely pay off.

When I began my weight loss journey, I started by focusing on cardiovascular health. My brother, who is currently in school to become a physical therapist, helped me to develop a program. Based on the concept of circuit training, he created a series of exercises that would allow me to burn an optimal amount of calories, which would then help me to lose weight.

For my cardio work out routine, I perform the following exercises:

• 1 minute of trampoline jumping
• 30 seconds of crunches
• 30 seconds of crawling
• 30 seconds of rolling
• 30 seconds of hopping on the ground
• Rest for 30 seconds and repeat

One area of exercise that concerned me the most was weight lifting. Though I’m a quad-amputee, I’m fortunate to have great motor skills. However, when I decided that I wanted to build muscle, I had one, glaring question: how could I lift weights without hands? A friend and I visited a sporting goods store to see if we could piece together a solution. Because my arms are so short, many straps would slip off. We finally found a set of ankle straps that would fit, which also had metal rings attached to them. Next, I bought 55 lb. and 100 lb. weight bands. These bands were perfect because they could easily attach to the ankle straps. A door anchor was the final piece of equipment that I bought, which gave me a safe way to secure the weight bands.

Purchasing the right equipment was yet another starting point. After working together, my friend and I discovered a number of ways to arrange the bands. Even though some exercises might look funny, they allow me to work different muscle groups. If you also have a physical disability, your exercises might look strange to the average person. Adapting these exercises to fit your own needs and limitations will be important for your own success. Who knows, they may even help you gain new strength, or help you function in ways that you never thought were possible.

My original goal was to learn how I could independently lift weights. If you want to work out but think that you may need help, there is nothing wrong with asking for assistance! It became very clear that I’d need help to weight train, at least at my current stage. Whether you can employ the help of a knowledgeable friend, or need the added guidance of a personal trainer, there are a variety of options that are available to you. Just remember: you’ll never know until you ask.

Regardless of your abilities, it can be very stressful to begin a fitness and diet routine. The most important step, and probably the most difficult, is starting. Accomplishing this goal can be very difficult because it might require you to make significant lifestyle changes. But once you set up a routine, sticking to it will become second nature. More than anything else, please remember that results won’t show over night. Patience and dedication are key to living a healthier life.

Want to see all of my work out equipment? Click the following links to learn about each piece:

• Fitness Gear Pro 50 lb. Resistance Tube
• Fitness Gear Pro 100 lb. Resistance Tube
• Fitness Gear Pro Ankle Straps
• Fitness Gear Pro Door Anchor
• Trampoline

Author:

Kyle Romano

Giving The Perfect Gift

What's the greatest thing about the holidays? More than any other time, this season brings us together to show appreciation for our families, friends, and loved ones. One of the reasons that I love the holidays so much, is that they give me an excuse to buy heartfelt gifts for those I care about most. Exchanging presents has a certain magic to it, especially if they are thoughtful, functional, decorative, or even silly. It's the perfect way to show people that you care, and that you're thankful for everything they do. Whether you're picking something out for either a relative or friend, choosing the perfect gift can be difficult. Fret not, festive readers! I'm here to help.

Sometimes, finding that perfect gift might require you to think outside the box. This idea is true for everybody, but can be especially true for friends and family members who have a disability. Personally, I've been a power wheelchair user for about 30 years. Some of the most memorable gifts that I've ever received were particularly useful, because I'm a wheelchair user. To get some ideas, lets take a glimpse into the daily needs of wheelchair users and people with disabilities. This is the part where you should start taking notes.

To come up with a great idea for a gift, you should try thinking from a different perspective. Particularly, if you are buying a present for a person with a disability, imagine that you are in their position. If you were them, what would you like? What would make your life easier?

Whether you have a disability or not, most people rely on their mobile phones to do a variety of things, such as paying bills and keeping in touch with relatives. If you are able-bodied, I have a thought experiment for you. Even though you probably use your phone all the time, have you ever thought about how you use it? Do you carry it in your pocket? Do you pick it up and hold it with your hand? Let's throw a monkey wrench into this synopsis. What if you were missing a hand? What if you had difficulty holding things? If either of these scenarios were true, you'd need something to carry your phone for you. There are a number of phone mounts, usually designed for cars, which can be brilliantly repurposed for wheelchair users. In the past, I've fastened my phone to my wheelchair with everything from Velcro to a magnetic phone cradle. Even though these fixes are pretty cheap and easy, they've allowed me to be extremely independent. While it may have slipped under your radar at first, you might know somebody who could use a new phone holder or an improvement to their current solution.

Technology is wonderful because it can make our lives so much easier. Whether you are elderly, young, disabled, or able-bodied, we've all fumbled with, run into, tripped over, or run over things at night. One of those things might've been your brother's foot. Sorry, Kent. Something as simple as a motion-sensing light can prevent night time accidents, while saving a some toes in the process. For wheelchair users like myself, it can be scary to drive our wheelchairs around the house at night. With just one slip up, we could easily put a hole in the wall. While saving you the hassle of remodeling your home at 3:00 a.m., this gift idea has an added bonus: it won't break the bank! Motion-sensing light switches cost anywhere between $15-$40 and can be purchased at hardware stores, or from online retailers such as Amazon.

While smart home products may appear more expensive than a motion detector, they are far more versatile and can accomplish much more. As technology has gotten better, these devices have become much more affordable. Whether you have a disability or are able-bodied, smart home technology can make it easier to control lights, thermostats, fans, TV's, and even home alarm systems. Each device can even be monitored and controlled with a phone or a tablet. For people with disabilities, smart home products can help us with some things that give us trouble on a daily basis. While turning on a light may seem trivial to an able-bodied person, it might be extremely difficult for somebody with a disability. Simply having the ability to turn on a light can be a huge deal, and give you some much appreciated, self-confidence. At least, it did for me. That's merely scratching the surface. Every smart home device can be synced to a Google Home or an Amazon Echo, which will let you control everything with your voice. If you are a wheelchair user with a strong voice, or have a big mouth like myself, this particular option could make a huge difference in your life! I can't even begin to describe how happy I was to get rid of the switches and remotes that I used before purchasing this technology. To top it all off, you can even turn on/off multiple things with a single command. These are called "scenes," and I have a few of them set up in my room. For example, one of my scenes is called: "I'm going to sleep." By saying that to my Google Home, my lights and TV will shut off, my fan and the hallway light will turn on, and the Google Home will set an alarm to wake me up in the morning. Smart home technology has helped me be independent in ways that I thought were impossible
If you're anything like me, the holidays will give you some time to catch up on your backlog of video games. Even better, you might have gotten some as presents! Many gamers with disabilities, myself included, may find it difficult to play video games. Fear not, fellow gamers! Microsoft Adaptive Controller is an incredible solution. The controller acts as a hub, meaning that you can plug a bunch of buttons and joysticks into it. It's great, because you can mount these anywhere, including: head arrays, foot plates, and trays. For those of us that can't use buttons or joysticks, Microsoft's Adaptive Controller is even compatible with Sip-and-Puff devices.

Let's shift gears from technology to something a bit more personal: health. Since our bodies are about 60% water, maintaining a healthy lifestyle means that we need to drink a lot of clear fluids. Our home state of Florida tends be a bit hotter than other states in the US. Like anybody who lives in a warm or tropical climate, it's important for wheelchair users to stay hydrated. Since I'm a quad-amputee and a power wheelchair user, filling a glass with water isn't the easiest thing I've ever done. If you're an active wheelchair users like myself, it might be a good idea to have large cups that don't need to be refilled as often. But how can we users carry water? Installing a cup holder on your wheelchair is brilliant, can save a lot of time, and allow you to be more independent. Insulated cups are a perfect fit for these, and tend to carry a lot of water while keeping it cold for hours.

Sometimes, cup holders aren't the best solution because they can stick out and get caught on door frames. With mine, I've certainly dinged up a few door casings. Hydration packs can be a great alternative to traditional cups, and can free up a bit of room on your wheelchair. CamelBak products can be stored on the backrest of your seat, and can even function as another backpack. What's better, is that it has a long straw which can be manipulated and placed in any spot. That's perfect for those of us who have a difficult time moving our neck and head.

I hope that this article has been helpful to you, and has helped to get your creative juices flowing. Have a fun and accessible holiday!

Author:
Kyle Romano

Accessible Travel Tips For Land, Sea, & Air

With the holidays quickly approaching, people will be travelling to visit friends and family from all over the world! Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to broaden your horizons and experience new places, people, and foods. Sometimes, the challenges of traveling with your wheelchair and/or other adaptive devices can put a damper on things. Surprisingly, planning ahead can minimize most of that hassle. Remember: getting there is half the fun! Here are some quick tips to help you get ready for your next adventure! 

Equipment Check-Up

• Before heading out, it’s important to make sure that your wheelchair, scooter, lift, and accessible vehicle are ready to travel. It’s a great idea to have your equipment serviced before you go. Better to be safe than sorry!
• Our Accessible Living articles have some great tips for power and manual wheelchair users, including some great service recommendations. Click here to learn more.

Don’t forget us! Our service team at Custom Mobility can make sure that your equipment is in tip-top shape. Before you hit the road, we’d be happy to check your accessible vehicle, lift, and/or wheelchair. Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-5151, or visit https://www.custom-mobility.com/mobility-services to schedule an appointment. Remember, in case there any parts that may be needed to ordered, be sure to perform any maintenance to your equipment at least 3 weeks in advance.

Air Travel
We can all agree that it’s quicker to travel by plane than it is by car. For wheelchair users, flying is a bit more involved than it is for able-bodied passengers. To learn a bit about guidelines for traveling by airplane, click here. Please note that all travelers must be screened. If you need more assistance, feel free to call the TSA helpline, 72 hours ahead of time at: 855-787–2227.

Unfortunately, airplane aisles are too narrow to accommodate manual or power wheelchairs. If you are a wheelchair user, it is probably best to inform the airline that you need an aisle chair. These devices are the perfect size for squeezing into those narrow aisles and can get you to your seat. Since transferring can be difficult, requesting a seat located in the bulkhead and/or a seat with flip up armrest, will make the process so much easier.

Ever get that feeling like you’re forgetting something? Let’s take a few precautions to be sure that nothing from your wheelchair goes missing! By securing anything that could be separated from your wheelchair, such as cushions, footrests, armrests, etc., you’ll be more like to disembark the plane with all of your belongings intact.

For wheelchair users that have therapeutic cushions, taking this item on the plane will make sure that it isn’t lost, and will help to prevent any skin issues from occurring during the flight. 

Not all ground workers are familiar with wheelchairs. Before you head to the airport, be sure to type up instructions for assembling and disassembling your equipment. It’s also a good idea to speak with the crew, and explain how they should handle your wheelchair.

Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. In case something comes loose or needs adjustment, travel with a small tool kit. If you can, it’s always a great idea to travel with spare parts, such as tires, tubes, etc. If you plan to remain at your destination for an extended period of time, these items not readily available in most stores.

Once you make it onto the airplane, it might be difficult or impossible to move about the cabin. Most airline lavatories are extremely small and difficult to maneuver in. To prevent yourself from needing to use the restroom during transit, it’s a great idea to use the restroom before you board the plane.

Getting around once you land
For wheelchair users, hailing a taxi isn’t always an option. If you need an accessible taxi, here is a list of taxi services that offer accessible rides. In selected cities, Uber and Lyft might offer accessible transport.

For those who can drive with low-tech hand controls, some rental cars can be equipped with portable hand controls. Please call and the check availability with each rental car company.  

In case you need a ramp or other accommodations, it’s possible to rent a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle at your destination. For those coming to the Tampa Bay Area, Custom Mobility has a fleet of accessible vehicles for rent. Just give us a call!  

Road Trips and Accommodations
Staying with family or friends is a great way to save money! If you’re staying at a new location, it’s important to call ahead and ask accessibility-related questions. Don’t forget to ask family and friends to measure entryways, paths, door widths, bathroom space, and bed height. Stairs are like roadblocks for wheelchair users, so be sure to ask if your temporary residence has any. Just in case, it’s always a great idea to purchase a portable ramp and carry it with you. 

For the more adventurous at heart, staying at a hotel is always an option. Proper planning includes making a reservation for an accessible room. A hotel with 200 rooms is required to have eight rooms with accessible bathrooms. Of those, only two are required to have a roll-in shower. Smaller hotels, which have less than 50 rooms, are not required to provide roll-in showers. Remember, planning is key!

Accessible bathrooms typically consist of a bathtub and a bench. This accommodation typically which doesn’t work for those who use a roll-in shower chair. Calling ahead can help you to figure out whether the hotel has accessible bathrooms and, if so, which type they are. For the adventurous at heart who travel often, it might be a good idea to purchase a portable, roll-in shower chair. 

Room size matters too, especially because a wheelchair can take up a lot of space. A suite is often a good idea and might be a good alternative for those occasions when accessible rooms aren’t available. These are better than standard rooms because they offer more space and more bedding options, which is especially great for those traveling with companion. 

When traveling internationally, it’s easy to forget that ADA guidelines are not applicable. Before adventuring to other parts of the world, take special care to research accessibility items such as: curb cuts, steps, door width, elevators, and accessible bathrooms. 

Travel by an accessible RV can be another fun way to hit the road. What’s better, is that you only need to unpack once! Information outlined above, regarding accessible bathroom space and bedding, also applies when renting an accessible RV.

Cruising
Online research is a great way to learn about various cruise lines. Be sure to type “special needs“ or “accessibility” into the search bar, and call the company if you have additional questions. 

Be sure to check their policies on accessibility, especially if you plan to travel alone. 

Travel agents, especially ones that specialize in travel for people with disabilities, can be an incredible resource. These individuals are extremely familiar with the ships, port access, and accessible excursions. They can even arrange for pre- and post-cruise accessible hotel rooms. 

Cruise travelers who have disabilities, may need things that most people don’t consider. Click here to learn about nine of the best cruise lines for people with disabilities.

Wherever you go, enjoy the ride! By taking the proper precautions and preparing for every possibility, you can finally relax and have fun! Life is too short not to. Here’s to wishing you safe travels!

Author:
Mary Carol Peterson

Smart Home, Practical Home

The Google Home and the Amazon Echo have become staples of the modern house, and can be even more integral to the functionality of Smart Home technology. For people with disabilities, it can be extremely powerful to control the home environment through either voice control or the touch of a button. As a quad-amputee and a power wheelchair user, I’ve taken full advantage of this technology. Let me tell you how some of these devices work and how they’ve helped me become more independent.

To get started, you need to figure out what to purchase. Ask yourself: "What am I trying to accomplish?" There are a multitude of products out there, so I would recommend starting small. As a wheelchair user, maybe there is a lamp that you have difficulty reaching. I know that I’ve certainly been there. Smart Home devices can assist you with either turning that pesky lamp on or turning it off, without straining yourself. If you can operate a smartphone or tablet, you can use Smart Home technology control that lamp, or any other lamp in your house. If you have the use of your voice, and experience difficulty using a smart device, you can even use a Google Home or Amazon Echo product to operate your Smart Home devices.

Either way, every product will require you to download some kind of app. Some will require you to purchase a hub, like Samsung’s SmartThings Hub, which can control a wide variety of products, made by a variety of manufacturers. This list includes: Philips Hue, Sylvania, Cree, Leviton, and IKEA, to name a few. These devices range from motion sensors, to lamps, to fans, to in-wall switches, to thermostats, and to even TV’s. All of these devices are operated through the SmartThings app. Some products, such as the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb by TP-Link, don’t require the purchase of a hub. If you plan to add more devices to your Smart Home, I’d highly recommend that your purchase a product like the SmartThings Hub. If you only want to control a few lamps, and don't think that you'll use a variety of Smart Home equipment, hubless light bulbs may be the way to go. Either way, you can't go wrong.


I actually use Smart Home technology in my room, and marvel at the amount of independence that it has given me. Through my Google Home Mini and my Samsung SmartThings Hub, I can operate everything in my room. With my voice, I can control the Leviton in-wall switches, which operate the fan and the bathroom lights. Two lamps are plugged into Leviton Lumina RF Plug-in Dimmers.

All of these switches can be dimmed to my liking. I even use a few devices in unconventional ways. Before I owned Smart Home technology, I needed assistance charging my wheelchair. Now, I’ve plugged my charger into a Leviton Appliance Module, and even have it on a schedule so that it turns on and off at specific times.

Because it’s easy to over- or under-charge wheelchair batteries, this addition has been priceless. Power wheelchair users, take particular note of this product. Additionally, the light for my saltwater aquarium is controlled via a Plug-In Module, and is also set on a timer.

Let my bedroom function as an example of what you can achieve through Smart Home products. In fact, this example merely scratches the surface of the technology’s potential. There are a number of additional devices that can be operated with Smart Home technology, including: air conditioners, blinds, alarm systems, cameras, and even doorbells. All of these products may even be linked to motion sensors, meaning that you would neither need to use an app nor a Google Home or Amazon Echo, to turn them on or off. Smart Home technology could be that one thing, which you never knew that you needed.

Author:
Kyle Romano