Modern technology has brought great improvements to the quality of life for those with mobility problems and physical disabilities. Many people now enjoy a degree of independence that would have seemed impossible a few years ago by using specially designed mechanical and electronic aids. However these can be very expensive. But now there are much more affordable and flexible alternatives to consider. From their wide range of home automation products, X10 Europe can offer a range of inexpensive and very helpful applications.

"We have just been looking at how X10 technology can specifically help the disabled and we have discovered a number of important ways in which it can add considerably to their independence and safety" says Technical Director of X10 Europe, Francois Rossi. "For example, it makes a lot of difference to be able to switch something on or off from a wheelchair or bed. But that is just the beginning." M. Rossi has been developing ideas for basic systems which can be installed by anyone. He has also been working with specialist home automation installers on more sophisticated schemes to cater for very particular needs.

X10 technology uses an ingenious combination of radio and infrared remote control and signalling through existing electric power line wiring to control any devices or equipment in the home (or workplace). Using a small remote control a disabled person can operate lights, heating, door and window opening and closing, security systems, home entertainment equipment and much more. X10 also provides great peace of mind through the wireless panic button, which will set off an alarm and flashing lights and summon help by sending an automatic telephone message.

All the products in the X10 range are completely compatible with one another and a great deal can be achieved without any technical knowledge. By using X10 plug-in modules, control is possible from anywhere in the home. With the addition of an X10 Mini Timer, switching can be done automatically at selected times. (This can be of great help to a severely disabled person who is not able to use a remote control. It could for example put bedside lights off at night.)

With the help of a professional home automation installer, the possibilities are very much greater. X10 have designed modules which can be connected to motorised control systems. These allow disabled people to remotely open and close their curtains, blinds or shutters. When moving around the home in a wheelchair, life becomes much easier because they can open and close doors at the touch of a button. Using a PC the installer can program a device called a Computer Interface which will make whole sequences of events happen with just one press of a button.

"The installer can discuss with the customer what problems there are and work out a custom-designed X10 program to fit their individual needs" says Francois Rossi. So just how much help could a computerised X10 system give to a disabled person? M. Rossi describes a very comprehensive system: "Take every aspect of daily life from the moment you wake up. The alarm clock goes off, the lights and radio go on. The coffee pot at your bedside is already hot. You can control the central heating or air conditioning before you get out of bed. You don’t have to reach for switches as you move through your home; you can have lights coming on automatically as you go into an area. As it gets light outside, the blinds are opened in all rooms. Doors will open automatically as you approach them. In the shower or bath, you have a mini panic button handy in case you get into difficulty. There is a panic button on another small controller which can also operate the front door release remotely to let someone in and control equipment when you want to without having to move around. Control of home entertainment is much easier, using just one remote for your TV, video, satellite or cable and the hi-fi as well as doing also the home automation work. There is no problem if the equipment is in another room; you can operate it from wherever you are. Whatever you select will be transmitted directly to your TV. While you relax in a chair, your lunch can be getting heated in the kitchen. If are able to get out of your home, and drive, one button sets the security system and another opens the garage door. If you return in the dark, lights will go on inside and out. In the evening you do not have to think about your lights, they’ll be timed the way you want them, and the electric blanket will have warmed your bed."

Francis Rossi admits that few disabled people would need quite such a luxurious system as that. But, as he says "the great thing with X10 is that you can choose just what you need to help you in life!"