Josh

After living with roommates for a number of years, Josh moved into his own house for the first time in 2020. He and his parents wanted him to have as much independence as possible at home while remaining safe. In an assessment with an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), Josh and his family learned that smart home technology could help with these goals and more.

Josh’s Goals

Greater independence at home, including the ability to communicate with his support team easily when needed
Showering safely on his own
General safety and security, including remote support from his parents

Josh worked with his team (his parents, his ATP, and his staff) to install:

Smart speakers in his living room, bathroom, and bedroom (Amazon Echo Dot and Flex)
A smart display in his kitchen (Amazon Echo Show)
A smart security system (Vivint) which includes:
- A speaker/display installed on the dining room wall
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- A smart doorbell with camera and microphone
- A smart door lock on the front door

Josh already had a smartphone (iPhone) and a smart watch (Apple watch).

A white man stands in the doorway of a bathroom and touches a device plugged into the wall outlet. He is wearing a collared white shirt with thin blue stripes. The device is a small white box about three inches long with a small white light on the top front. — Josh adjusts the volume using the buttons on the smart speaker in his bathroom. *Photo: Tessa Marie Commercial*

“Before the smart home technology was installed, my aides had to stay close by in case I had a seizure. These devices have helped me to maintain my independence and reduce stress,” says Josh.

With a smart speaker in most areas of the home, Josh can make and receive calls in case of an emergency – which means he can shower on his own. And if Josh’s parents or staff try to call him and he is unresponsive, they have the ability to “drop-in” using these devices to make sure he’s okay.

A white man taps a touch screen installed on a wall. The screen displays the view from his front doorbell, showing a woman smiling and standing outside. — Josh uses his smart security system’s speaker/display in his dining room to speak with a visitor at the front door via the smart doorbell. *Photo: Tessa Marie Commercial*

With Josh’s security system, he and his parents can see and talk with visitors at the front door. Both Josh and his father have installed the app on their smartphones that connects with the camera and microphone/speaker on Josh’s smart doorbell. The security system also connects to a speaker/display installed on Josh’s dining room wall. Josh feels more comfortable being able to see who’s at the door before opening it. And by receiving alerts to his phone from the doorbell and the security system’s other cameras and sensors, Josh’s dad has peace of mind knowing Josh is safe.

Josh uses his smart security system to welcome a guest.

Smart Speakers & Displays

At its simplest, a smart speaker is a speaker that connects to the internet and can be controlled primarily by voice command. A smart display is a type of smart speaker that has a…

Learn About Smart Speakers & Displays

Smart Cameras

A smart camera is a video camera that connects to a mobile app. There are smart cameras for outdoor and indoor use. They can be purchased on their own or as part of a package of devices…

Learn About Smart Cameras

Smart Doorbells

A smart doorbell can connect with Wi-Fi and is often equipped with a video camera, microphone, and speaker. It connects with an app on your smartphone or tablet, and can be integrated…

Learn About Smart Doorbells

Smart Door Locks

A smart door lock can replace a traditional door lock to keep you safe and your home secure, while also making entry more accessible. Smart locks may provide the ability to lock…

Learn About Smart Door Locks

Smart Security Systems

A smart security system keeps you and your home safe and secure from a number of threats, including intruders and hazards such as fire or carbon monoxide. You can improve your home’s…

Learn About Smart Security Systems

Smart Sensors

Some sensors are sold on their own, others are included in a package (such as those included in a home security system), and others are built in to other devices (such as smart cameras with…

Learn About Smart Sensors

Smart Wearables

A smart wearable makes it possible to monitor your own health in a variety of ways. Wearables include watches and other biosensors that connect to a smartphone or mobile app, and in…

Learn About Smart Wearables

Success Stories

Michael

Michael uses a smart speaker, a smart media streaming device, a smart TV, and smart switches to make phone calls and control everything from his lights to his TV.