What are environmental control units?
Printable Version Environmental control units (ECUs) are devices that allow people with mobility impairments to operate electronic devices, including televisions, computers, lights, appliances, and more. There are many commercially available ECU devices, however they typically fall into two broad categories—stand-alone and computer-based devices. As explained in the article Everything You Need To Know About Environmental Control Units, “stand-alone ECUs contain their own electronics and do not utilize a computer to function. Many of these units can be activated by a switch, which acts as the interface between the user and the unit.” In contrast, a computer-based ECU “consists of a software program and the necessary peripherals that allow a computer to function as an ECU”. According to the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative there are currently four basic types of ECUs available. They are: AC power. This type of system uses the electrical wiring already in your home. Each item to b
Printable Version Environmental control units (ECUs) are devices that allow people with mobility impairments to operate electronic devices, including televisions, computers, lights, appliances, and more. There are many commercially available ECU devices, however they typically fall into two broad categories—stand-alone and computer-based devices. As explained in the article Everything You Need To Know About Environmental Control Units, “stand-alone ECUs contain their own electronics and do not utilize a computer to function. Many of these units can be activated by a switch, which acts as the interface between the user and the unit.” In contrast, a computer-based ECU “consists of a software program and the necessary peripherals that allow a computer to function as an ECU”. According to the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative there are currently four basic types of ECUs available. They are: AC power. This type of system uses the electrical wiring already in your home. Each item to b
