Suria

Suria and her husband live in a townhouse in Philadelphia. After Suria’s spinal cord injury, they set about making the home as accessible as possible, and integrated numerous smart home devices to create a functional living space.

They were so successful, they started SunKirb Ideas to help people with disabilities and older adults plan, set up, and use smart home technology.

Suria’s Goals

Independence at home and at work
A way to call for help in case of an emergency

Suria installed:

Smart speakers and displays (Amazon Echo and Amazon Echo Show)
A smart TV remote (Amazon Fire TV Stick)
Smart cameras (Google Nest) with motion sensor
A smart thermostat (Google Nest)
A smart doorbell (Ring) with motion sensor
A smart door lock
Smart plugs
Smart lighting

Suria already had a smart phone and tablet.

A woman looks down at a smartphone attached to the arm of her wheelchair. On the screen is a view of a visitor at her front door. — Suria checks who is at the front door using the smart doorbell app on her smartphone.

Nearly all the devices she uses are recognizable, common devices. Amazon Fire TV, for instance, makes it possible for Suria to control her TV by voice. Amazon Echo responds to her voice helping her to turn on music, control the lights, get the weather, or add items to her shopping list (which syncs with the app on her husband’s phone so he can check the list while out and about). The Amazon Echo also allows them to speak to each other from different floors of the house.

“I think the main thing about technology is about accessibility. It’s not just accessibility for people with a disability, it’s accessibility for everyone,” says Suria.

In addition, both of their smartphones and tablets connect to their Google Nest cameras and thermostats which helps them to check in on each other, control the temperature, and more. Suria can also use her iPhone or the Amazon Show to see who’s at the door using their Ring doorbell, to open and close the front door with their automatic door opener, and to speak to the visitor. Finally, Suria can set up temporary “keys” (multi-digit codes) for the smart door lock for each caregiver. If the caregiver changes, she can delete the old “key” and create a new one.

Suria and her smart home in action.

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 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 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 Lighting

Smart lighting includes both smart light bulbs as well as in-wall smart switches and dimmers. See also smart plugs, which can control plug-in lamps. Smart light bulbs make any…

Learn About Smart Lighting

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 Thermostats

A smart thermostat can make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. Smart thermostats give you the ability to control and schedule your home’s heating and cooling…

Learn About Smart Thermostats

Smart TVs & Media Streaming Devices

If your goal is to watch TV and/or stream media content using your voice, smart TVs and media streaming devices that can pair with your smart speaker or that come with a voice…

Learn About Smart TVs & Media Streaming Devices

Smart Plugs & Outlets

A smart plug is one of the quickest and simplest ways to make your home smarter. Simply plug this device into an ordinary wall outlet, then plug the power cord of any electrical device or appliance…

Learn About Smart Plugs & Outlets

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.