by AbilityNet
AbilityNet is a UK-based charity that provides digital accessibility support and free resources for disabled people of all ages. Their factsheet library covers hundreds of assistive technology topics and the smart home guide is among their most widely used, helping disabled people understand which devices genuinely support independent living.
The guide walks through creating a voice-controlled smart home using Amazon Alexa or Google Home as a hub, then connecting it to smart lighting, door locks, thermostats, kitchen appliances, and security cameras. It explains how to configure voice training for users with non-standard speech patterns, and describes switch-access or app-based text alternatives for those who cannot use voice commands at all.
Disabled and older people with limited mobility, low vision, or speech impairments who want to use smart home technology to reduce reliance on carers and manage their home environment independently — and the family members or support workers helping them set it up.
The Urban Xplorer is a lightweight, adjustable folding white cane made from aerospace aluminium, designed for blind and low-vision users navigating city environments. It comes in four sizes (Small through X-Large) and features a redesigned dome tip, hardened aluminium joints, and a foam grip. The cane is built to handle common urban obstacles such as cobblestones, sewer grates, and uneven sidewalks.
Awarewolf
TAMI is a wearable assistive device designed for blind and vision-impaired users that integrates obstacle detection technology into a modern glasses frame. It uses haptic vibrations to alert wearers to upper-body-level obstacles that a white cane cannot detect. The device aims to increase independent mobility and confidence during travel.
Lighthouse Tech
The Awarewolf All Terrain Cane is a titanium folding mobility cane designed for blind and low-vision hikers navigating rugged outdoor terrain. It features an adjustable foam grip handle, a rolling ball tip, and a reinforced stainless-steel folding joint capable of bearing the user's weight. The cane retains the familiar form factor of a traditional red-and-white mobility cane while providing enhanced stability on uneven ground.
Awarewolf
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