The Youth Assistive Technology (YAT) initiative assists youth aged 9-18 in British Columbia with limited mobility by providing home environmental control systems. Our community-based project focuses on fostering independence and active participation within the community.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for YAT services, individuals must:
- Age 9-18
- Have limited mobility due to a permanent physical disability
- Be a resident of British Columbia
Custom Solutions for Independence
We specialize in custom solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. Our technicians and biomeds collaborate with you and your care team to provide solutions using voice control, and specially designed switches sensitive to touch or breath. These solutions enable greater independence and access to essential devices such as TV controls, adaptive gaming systems, smartphones, lamps, fans, blinds, and door openers.
Service Details
Our comprehensive services include assessment, installation, and repairs, all provided at no cost for most members. Equipment is offered on a long-term loan basis to ensure continued accessibility and support. Should your equipment ever need changing, updating, or servicing, one of our technicians or biomeds will work with you and your family to make your system work for you as soon as possible. Funding for our services and equipment comes from donations and community grants.
Equipment we provide
We provide a variety of electronic devices to assist you in accessing your home environment. Here are some of the most commonly used devices.
Smart Home
Voice Assistants
Apple HomePod Mini
Use your voice and Siri to control Apple HomeKit and Matter-enabled devices.
Google Nest Mini
Control your TIL smart home devices (Nest Hello Doorbell, Chromecast, August Door Lock, TP Link/Wyze Lights, ECOBEE Thermostat, etc) using your voice.
Google Nest Hub
Control your TIL smart home devices using your voice or touch. The screen also give you the opportunity to see who is at the door before you open it, play YouTube videos, and get visual feedback as well as audio feedback.
Amazon Echo Dot
Control your TIL smart home devices (Ring Doorbell, Amazon Fire TV, August Door Lock, TP Link/Wyze Lights, ECOBEE Thermostat, etc) using your voice.
Amazon Echo Show 5
Control your TIL smart home devices using your voice or touch. The screen also give you the opportunity to see who is at the door before you open it, play YouTube videos, and get visual feedback as well as audio feedback.
TV Control
Broadlink RM4 Pro
Use your favorite voice assistant (Google Nest or Amazon Echo) to control your audio-video equipment with the Broadlink RM4 Pro. You can also control your equipment using the remote in the Broadlink app.
Google Chromecast
Watch your favourite streaming service (Netflix, YouTube, etc) using your voice, either through the Nest Mini or Nest Hub provided by TIL.
Amazon Fire Cube
Watch your favourite streaming service (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc) using your voice, either through the device itself, Amazon Echo Dot, or Amazon Echo Show 5 provided by TIL.
Lighting
TP Link Kasa Light Switches
TIL provides TP Link light switches as they can be activated by voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device, Nest Hub, Amazon Echo Show 5). These switches also come in Single Pole, Dimmer, or 3-way variations.
TP Link Kasa Mini Plug
This versatile smart plug is designed to allow you to use your other outlet when in use. It is great for controlling non-smart devices like lamps, fans, heaters, etc. using your voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device, Nest Hub, Amazon Echo Show 5).
KASA Smart Light Bulb
KASA light bulbs are versatile, dimmable smart bulbs that change colors and can be controlled via your smart device or any TIL voice assistant.
iHome Smart Plug
We use the iHome Smart Plug specifically with our members that want to control non-smart plug in devices (ie: lamp, fan, etc) using Apple’s Homekit environment.
Meross Smart Light Switch
We use the Meross Dimmable Light Switch specifically with our members that want overhead lighting control using Apple’s Homekit environment.
Smart Thermostats
ECOBEE 3 Lite
This smart thermostat can control any “low voltage” heating/cooling system (ie: furnace) using voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device or any TIL provided voice assistant with display).
MYSA Thermostat
The MYSA thermostat can control any “high voltage” heating systems (ie: baseboard heaters, in floor heating, etc) using voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device or any TIL provided voice assistant with display).
Smart Door Locks/Doorbells
SwitchBot Lock
The SwitchBot Lock fits over your existing door lock, keeping your original key. You can lock or unlock your door with your voice or a smart device.
August Smart Lock
Not only can you control this smart lock using your voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device or any TIL provided voice assistant with display), but you can also check to see if your door is closed and locked from anywhere in the world.
Google Nest Doorbell
The Nest Hello Doorbell is a very intuitive doorbell that connects to your existing doorbell wiring. Using your smart device or Nest Hub, you can see and hear who is at the front door. You can also have a conversation with them, or activate a pre-recorded message telling them you will be right there.
Ring Doorbell
The Ring Doorbell is very versatile…not only can it be connected to your existing doorbell wiring, but it can also run on rechargeable batteries. They also come in a few varieties including a doorbell that replaced a peephole! You can see who’s at the door using a smart device or the Amazon Echo Show 5 provided by TIL.
Smart Blind/Curtain Control
RYSE SmartShade
RYSE SmartShades let you control your beaded-chain or cord-loop blinds with a smart device or any TIL voice assistant. They can run wirelessly with the optional RYSE Battery Pack. You can also operate the RYSE SmartShades with the integrated buttons on the front of the device.
Sunsa Wand
The Sunsa Wand replaces your blind’s tilt wand. You can control it with a smart device or voice assistant. You can also operate the Sunsa Wand by double tapping it to fully open or close the blinds.
Switchbot Curtain
The Switchbot Curtain allows for control of single or dual panel curtains. The Switchbot Curtain sits on the curtain rod and pushes the curtain open or closed, depending on your command using voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).
SwitchBot Blind
Control your tilt wand blinds with your voice or smart device using the Switchbot Blind Tilt.
It can be charged with the included solar panel and works with your original blind tilt wand.
Other Smart Devices
SmartThings Sensors
The use of SmartThings sensors allows automation of your TIL smart devices, using motion, temperature, vibration and window/door sensors.
Fingerbot
Fingerbot is a small robot that presses any non-smart button (coffee machine, light switch, etc) that can be activated by voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).
Switchbot
Switchbot is a small robot that uses a rotating arm to press any non-smart button (computer power, light switch, etc) that can be activated by voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).
Bond Bridge
Bond Bridge is a radio-frequency (RF) smart replicator that can learn your RF remotes (ie: ceiling fan, garage door, etc). Once learned, you can then control these RF devices using your voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).
Switches
Pressure Sensitive Switches
Our members use a variety of switches to control their environment, including, but not limited to, TV, audio/video devices, attendant call systems, lights, fans, smartphones, etc. The appropriate switch is very much based on member preference, but also on the member’s ability and environment.
The ultralight switch (orange/left), for example, is very compact and very sensitive, which our members appreciate, but when used in certain environments can be accidentally activated by other factors (blankets, clothing, etc).
Puff Switch
Sip n Puff switches are built by team members of the Technology of Independent Living (TIL) program, on site, using 3D printing, sensitive pressure transducers, and various other supplies.
To better access the Sip n Puff switch, our technicians will mount the clear tube in a position that is easy to use for the member, whether on a wheelchair or at bedside.
Adaptive Gaming Controllers
Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller
The Xbox Adaptive Controller by Microsoft offers customizable gaming solutions. It features large programmable buttons and connects to a range of external devices for a tailored gaming experience.
Sony PlayStation Access Controller
This innovative device provides adaptable controls and a customizable interface, ensuring an inclusive gaming experience for players with diverse physical capabilities.
Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit
This innovative device provides adaptable controls and a customizable interface, ensuring an inclusive gaming experience for players with diverse physical capabilities.
Flex Controller for Nintendo Switch
Enjoy games using various external assistive switches and joystick attachments. The Flex Controller allows additional assistive switches and joysticks to be connected via auxiliary and USB ports.
Environmental Control
GEWA Control Prog
The Gewa Control Prog is a programmable infra-red remote control, that allows for switch control. It allows our members, using 1 or 2 switches, to use the Gewa to control their TV, audio/video equipment, phone, attendant call, lights, fans, etc.
Our technicians can mount the Gewa and switch(s), on the members bed or wheelchair, to allow for effective member access.
Chameleon
The Chameleon is a device, collaboratively developed by TIL and BCIT Biomedical Engineering Technology students, that allows TIL members with limited voice ability to operate 30 Google Nest Mini functions using a single switch. Using an ability switch, the TIL member selects a function (ie: Rock Music), then the Chameleon says a preprogrammed message to Google Nest Mini (ie: Hey Google, play some rock music.). The Chameleon is fully programmable, including google commands, scanning speed, volume and brightness.
Bed Control
TIL’s Bed Control was developed by TIL after realizing there was a need for members to independently control their bed. Depending on our members bed make and model, their bed functions could be controlled by voice, their smart device, or using a single switch to scan the bed functions.
*TIL’s Bed Controls are not available for use on all beds, but TIL technologists can do a quick assessment to see if it will work for our members.
Attendant Call
TIL’s Attendant Call is a wireless device that, when activate by an ability switch, rings a chime or song in another part of the home.
*TIL’s Attendant Call is mean to increase independence within the home, but should not be used as an emergency callbell! For emergency call needs, TIL members should contact a company that provides emergency call services.
Speakerphones
Serene RCx Speakerphone
To make a call, simply press the pendant remote, or the TIL switch plugged into it, and the phone will start scanning through the pre-programmed numbers. Once the number you want to call is highlighted, activate the pendant again and the number will be dialed.
GewaTel 200 Speakerphone
Smartphone and Tablet Control
Tapio
Tapio is an iOS switch interface device. Using the Tapio, and 1 or 2 of our switches, members gain full access to an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch, using Apple’s Switch Control.
Our technicians can also mount your iOS device, making it easier to use with the Tapio, and switch, on a wheelchair or at bedside.
tecla-e
tecla-e is an assistive device that allows some TIL members the ability to control multiple smart devices, along with mainstream smart technology (lights, tv, thermostat, etc), using ability switches. TIL does provide the tecla-e in some cases, depending on what the TIL member would like to operate in their home environment.
Contact Information
For more information, please e-mail us at
yat@technologyforliving.org, or phone 604-326-0175.