Technology for Independent Living

Environmental control systems that assist people with physical disabilities to control devices in their homes and on the go.

The devices and technology provided by Technology for Living are intended solely for convenience purposes and should not be used in emergency situations. These solutions are designed to assist with non-emergency requests and daily living needs.

In the event of an emergency, please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

Technology for Living does not guarantee the functionality of its devices and technology and is not liable for any consequences arising from their use in emergencies.

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We provide Environmental Control Systems (ECS) that assist people with high level physical disabilities to control devices in their homes and on the go. Some of these devices include:

  • TV (audio/video) Control
  • Smartphone/Tablet Access
  • Landline Phone Control
  • Lamp/Fan Control
  • Attendant Call Access
  • Door Openers
  • Adaptive Gaming Controllers

Meeting members needs is our specialty; we ask our members to let us know what they would like to control. Our technicians are happy to assist in creating a solution.

Through specially designed switches, that may be sensitive to touch or breath, our members have access to this equipment and greatly reduce the need for certain types of dependence.

Once your application has been approved, one of our technicians will work with you, and your care team, to set up the Environmental Control Systems in your home. Should your equipment ever need changing, updating, or servicing, one of our technicians will work with you to make your system work for you as soon as possible.

Services are delivered at no cost for most of our members; this includes assessment, installation, and repairs. Most equipment is provided to members on a long-term loan basis, ensuring accessibility and support for as long as needed. Our services are funded by the Ministry of Health and our equipment is funded by donations and community grants. We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia.

Not only do we work closely with our members, but we also work closely with GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, community health centres, and similar agencies throughout the province, to provide the best services available to our members.

We are especially proud of our Peer Program. They are a diverse group of members, using both programs provided by Technology for Living, the Technology for Independent Living Program, and the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program. These are peers who know what it’s like to live with a ventilator, transition from an institution to the community, and live with a disability. For more info, please email us or call us toll-free at 1-866-326-1245.

We’re always looking for new ideas that afford more independence to our members. We work alongside our members to improve existing technology, often with their invaluable input during the whole production cycle. Are you a member, an engineer or an advocate with a brand new idea to share? You can find information how to contact us here and see how you can go from idea to product working with TIL.

How to apply

If you have difficulty, due to a physical disability, accessing any of the devices listed on this page, you may be a good candidate.  If you’d like to discuss your situation with one our technicians, before applying, please call us at (604) 326-0175.

We have a team of technicians that can help assess your environment/situation and let you know if our services would be of benefit to you. After your initial assessment, if it is decided that our program wouldn’t be a good fit for you, the technician that helped you may know of other services that would be a fit to you.

You can apply here, online. We accept applications from any individual, with severe physical disabilities, who needs help accessing their home environment.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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).

For our members that are not able to activate a pressure switch, the Sip n Puff Switch is a great alternative. The Sip n Puff switch allows the member to activate any of the devices listed below using a slight sip and/or puff on a clear tube.

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

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.

More Info >

This innovative device provides adaptable controls and a customizable interface, ensuring an inclusive gaming experience for players with diverse physical capabilities.

More Info >

This innovative device provides adaptable controls and a customizable interface, ensuring an inclusive gaming experience for players with diverse physical capabilities.

More Info >

Flex Controller

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.

More Info >

Environmental Control

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.

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.

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.

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

The Serene RCx Speakerphone is a remote controlled speakerphone that allows for storage of up to 32 pre-programmed phone numbers.

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.

The GewaTel 200 Speakerphone is an infrared controlled speakerphone. By using infrared transmitters, like the Gewa Control Prog (above), members of our Technology for Independent Program (TIL) can make and receive phone calls…using the same remote they use to access their environment (TV, lights, etc).

Smartphone and Tablet Control

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 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.
Simon Cox Student Design Competition

For more information and to apply visit: simoncoxcompetition.com

The Simon Cox Student Design Competition, organized by Technology for Living (TFL), is an annual event that showcases creative and innovative solutions in assistive technology design aimed at enhancing independence for individuals with physical disabilities within their homes. This competition invites students enrolled in  BC technical colleges or undergraduate programs encompassing various disciplines including biomedical engineering and design at universities in British Columbia (BC) to participate.

The competition serves as a platform to celebrate innovation and make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals by addressing practical challenges through the development of assistive technology. Students collaborate with TFL members to create advancements in assistive technology, offering adaptive solutions that promote independence and improve the quality of life for those with physical disabilities. Active involvement of end-users during the design phase is vital to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of the solutions.

Teams participating in the competition present their project ideas through video or live presentations, vying for a total prize pool of $10,500, awarded to the top presenters on April 26th, 2025. For more information on the 10th Simon Cox Student Design Competition, click on the image or visit: simoncoxcompetition.com

Peers can submit ideas for inventions here.

Learn More

We Talk Tech

Join Technology for Living’s Ean Price (Innovation Strategist) and Wayne Pogue (Team Lead, Biomedical Engineering) on the first Thursday of every month as they discuss technology used by the members of the Technology for Independent Living and the Provincial Respiratory Outreach programs. Ean and Wayne will also be introducing you to staff and members of TFL along the way.

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PROP: 1-866-326-1245
TIL: 604-326-0175

103–366 East Kent Ave. South
Vancouver BC, V5X 4N6

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