The improvements to voice-activated technology around the world have had a life-changing impact on the way people with disabilities interact with others. The QuadPara Association of the Western Cape (QAWC) along with specialist technology provider CoralTech are working to improve the lives of QAWC members using a system called VoQoL.
The VoQoL programme has involved installing a voice-activated system in three residential facilities around the Western Cape – Turfhall Cheshire Homes, Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre and Eric Miles Cheshire Homes. The programme assists residents to have more independence, autonomy and control over their lives. The technology can remotely control a television, lights, and other devices plugged into a smart plug, such as a fan. It can request information from a website and trigger a call for help.
QAWC and CoralTech have completed 35 installations in Turfhall Cheshire Home, which has been made possible through funding received from Telkom. More installations will take place in June at the Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre and Eric Miles Cheshire Homes, with funding being supplied by Claremont Rotary. Feedback from residents highlights the impact that the technology has made, with one resident saying: “I love the control I have over my life.”
The QAWC adds: “We love seeing the positive impact this project is having on the lives of our members, and will continue with the installations over the coming months.”
