Smart home devices have been life-changing for people with disabilities. In this captioned video, Alexa talks about her smart home devices with Susan Tachau, PATF’s Chief Innovation Officer.
Alexa started out with an Amazon Echo Dot; she has a few of them in her home. At first, Alexa only used the Dot to turn the lights on and off. Alexa then learned how to use the Dot as an intercom or phone so she wouldn’t have to scream throughout her home to get someone’s attention. While in bed, Alexa uses the Dot to set an alarm to remind her of the things she may need during the night.
Top Five Funding Sources for Smart Home Technology:
- Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
- Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
- Home and Community-Based Services Waiver programs (HCBS)
- Private Funding Resources (Grants)
- PA ABLE Account
To learn more about funding assistive technology, call or email PATF for a copy of Funding Your Assistive Technology: A Guide to Funding Resources in Pennsylvania, or download a copy at www.patf.us. The Guide is available in 508 compliant PDF and in Spanish.
A special thanks to Alexa!
This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.