| Home Toys Article - Feb99 - [HTI Home Page] |
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If you have a disability that can be assisted by "adaptive equipment" and some sort of medical insurance it may be possible to improve access to appliances and lights in your home at little or no cost. I don't know if Medicaid or Medicare would allow it but it is worth a try. |
About 13 years ago I was injured in a car accident. This resulted in me becoming a quadriplegic. I can use my arms but I can't grasp. I also use an electric wheelchair.
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I got a RadioShack catalog and listed the part numbers and prices. I then gave the report and prescription to my insurance company for approval. Since the cost was only about 200 dollars this was much less expensive than most other "environment controllers " that cost thousands more. They cut me a check and I purchased the system.
What I like best about the X-10 units is that most are a simple plug in installation ... then set the codes. Second is the availability of other devices and compatibility with many other systems including a computer interface so that if you have other needs you can mix and match the different parts to suit your needs.
A good place to start is the RC 5000 RF control. If you need to control a TV, VCR, cable, etc., in addition to other appliances then the HK 10A Home control would be the best choice. The Active Home Kit interfaces with a home computer in addition to the above functions. If you have an older 386 or 486 computer they will work just fine as a home controller and nowadays a 386 or 486 can be dirt cheap.
If you have a disability that can be assisted by "adaptive equipment" and some sort of medical insurance it may be possible to improve access to appliances and lights in your home at little or no cost. I don't know if Medicaid or Medicare would allow it but it is worth a try.
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