Design for the Elderly and Disabled Environments: Making Homes More Comfortable and Accessible Controls and Signals Part 10 of 10

Controls and Signals Light Switches Electrical Outlets Thermostats Alarms Security Systems Total Environmental Control Systems Accessible Controls Summary

Light Switch Addition or Replacement Type of Switch Select single touch models - Rocker - Toggle - Touch Sensitive Avoid switches requiring pinching, gripping or twisting (finger manipulation)

Dimmer Switches - Should be easy to use - Touch Sensitive switches are excellent - Knob switches with blades or bar dimmers are also acceptable

Mounting Height - Mount between 36 and 48 inches above the floor - Switches installed over a counter or work-top should be close to the surface

Electrical Outlet Addition or Replacement Mounting Height - Mount between 15 and 48 inches - When Mounting over a counter, place outlet close to the surface for easy reach

Number of Outlets - Consider adding more outlets - Many conditions require the use of special equipment that require extra outlets - A quadriplex outlet could replace a traditional outlet

Outlets Near Telephone Jacks - Install electrical outlets near phone jacks - Convenient for answering machines - Essential for TTY’s and TDD’s

Thermostat Replacement Controls - Select controls with easy movement and no pinching, gripping, etc. - Avoid controls that require fine tuning - Controls that click while being adjusted are very helpful to people with visual impairments

Thermostat Replacement Replacement Type/Numbers - Consider Large, high contrast controls with easy-to- read numbers. Mounting Height - Maximum 48 inches above floor surface

Alarms Strobes - Older Smoke/Fire alarms can be replaced by models with strobe lights Auxiliary Alarms - Install additional outlets for use of auxiliary alarms for those who are hearing impaired

Security Systems Controls - Select an Easy to operate keypad - Buttons should be raised with high contrast - Avoid monochromatic keypads and flush controls

Security Systems Mounting Height - Try to mount the control panel for a security system less than 48 inches from the floor, to be accessible to most people.

Remote Controls, Home Automation and Total Environmental Control Systems General - Consider installing a remote control system instead of moving a wall socket - Allow users to control lights or small appliances - simple systems can control lights, etc. More elaborate systems can control temperature and alarms.

Remote Controls, Home Automation and Total Environmental Control Systems Types - Send signals through existing wiring, via plug in modules - Wireless, uses radio signals via remote - New outlets can be installed, to control appliances

Total Environmental Control Systems - Control systems that combine lighting, temperature, security, etc. into one control unit. - Possible to link some units to a home PC, expanding its capabilities.

Summary - Use Strip receptacles - Use extensions or pull cords - Use Portable Strobe Alarms - Use remote Controls