Security and Safety | Supporting Occupatio

Home Surveillance

Home surveillance systems and cameras can monitor different areas of a house. The systems can be accessed and controlled from a remote location. It can be linked to other systems such as gates and doors to allow remote access into the home. Many systems can include motion detection, two-way audio and the ability to record video clips.

The system can connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing the user to view live footage on a device and may be controlled via:

Voice command: The system may be integrated with a hub (I.e. Siri, Google, Alexa)
Remote controlled via interface
a part of a larger system command word i.e. “Goodnight” can change security settings while the service user is asleep
- Systems may be linked with existing assistive technology such as eye gaze, joystick control and/or sip and puff depending on the users’ needs (check with an integrator about the viability if this is appropriate for the service user.

Safety: Enhance safety for the service user when home alone (Jamwal et al., 2020).

Remote access: An individual can remotely manage access for caregivers, family, or delivery services without needing to be physically present or relying on someone else. This empowers them with greater control over their personal space and schedule (Ding et al., 2021; Ding et al., 2025).

Fatigue management: A person with limited mobility can verify a visitor's identity and grant them access without needing to physically go to the door. Two-way audio can allow the service user to communicate with visitors or delivery people remotely without having to go to the door reducing the energy required (Moroz et al., 2017).

Support for visual impairments: A smart doorbell can announce a visitor's presence audibly, and some systems can use facial recognition to identify known visitors. This provides a sense of security and awareness for people with low vision.

Ding, D., Morris, L., Messina, K., & Fairman, A. (2021). Providing mainstream smart home technology as assistive technology for persons with disabilities: A qualitative study with professionals. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 18(7), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2021.1998673
Ding, D., Morris, L., Novario, G., Fairman, A., Roehrich, K., Foschi Walko, P., & Boateng, J. (2025). Mainstream smart home technology–based intervention to enhance functional independence in individuals with complex physical disabilities: Single-Group pre-post feasibility study. JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies, 12, e70855. https://doi.org/10.2196/70855
Jamwal, R., Jarman, H. K., Roseingrave, E., Douglas, J., & Winkler, D. (2020). Smart home and communication technology for people with disability: A scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(6), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2020.1818138
Moroz, A., Flanagan, S. R., & Zaretsky, H. H. (Eds.). (2017). Medical aspects of disability for the rehabilitation professional (5th ed.). Springer Publishing Company, LLC.

Gates and Garages

Automated systems used to open and close entry points to a property, such as, a driveway gate or a garage door. Instead of manually operating doors and gates these systems can be motorised to perform automatic actions remotely.

A motorised component attached to gates/doors to slide/swing open or close automatically. The systems may be controlled by:

Voice command: The system may be integrated with a hub (I.e. Siri, Google, Alexa)
Remote controlled via interface,
Wall-mounted switch,
Programable via time setting on command (semi-autonomous),
Sensor-based system can open automatically when it senses a presence or a specific vehicle approaching. The gate/garage can then close automatically after a specific time (autonomous),
a part of a larger system command word i.e. “Goodnight”
- Systems may be linked with existing assistive technology such as eye gaze, joystick control and/or sip and puff depending on the users’ needs (check with an integrator about the viability if this is appropriate for the service user.

Independence and freedom: The ability to open and close a gate or garage door independently allows a person to enter and exit their home and access their vehicle without needing and/or having minimal assistance (Ding et al., 2021; Ding et al., 2025).

Security: A person with limited mobility can open the gate or garage door from a safe distance (Ding et al. 2025).

Elimination of physical barriers: For service users with physical disabilities such as tetraplegia, automated systems completely remove physical barriers, transforming a garage or gate from an inaccessible obstacle into a seamless entry and exit point.
- Infrared Beams: A beam is placed across the opening. If a person, a wheelchair, or an object breaks the beam while the door is closing, the system automatically reverses to prevent a collision.
- Force Sensors: These sensors detect resistance or unusual pressure. If the door encounters an obstruction, it will stop and reverse the action.
- Battery Backup/Manual override: A backup battery ensures that the system can still be operated in the event of a power outage.

Ding, D., Morris, L., Messina, K., & Fairman, A. (2021). Providing mainstream smart home technology as assistive technology for persons with disabilities: A qualitative study with professionals. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 18(7), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2021.1998673
Ding, D., Morris, L., Novario, G., Fairman, A., Roehrich, K., Foschi Walko, P., & Boateng, J. (2025). Mainstream smart home technology–based intervention to enhance functional independence in individuals with complex physical disabilities: Single-Group pre-post feasibility study. JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies, 12, e70855. https://doi.org/10.2196/70855