Accessibility - sponsored by Universal Design Newsletter

New Products

Voice Activated Dimmers

VOS Systems Inc. has several new products that feature voice command activation. The IntelaVoice Dimmer™, which plugs into any standard outlet, dims lamps at three levels of brightness with simple voice commands.

The unit features high speed speech recognition and command response, a pre-programmed vocabulary and speaker independent operation, which allows it to work with anyone’s voice.

The Wall Switch Dimmer™ with Touch Control is a voice operated/touch-control dimmer that takes the place of a standard wall switch and can be simultaneously operated in both modes. The unit can be installed using only a screwdriver and features both speaker independent and speaker dependent operation for increased flexibility.

VOS Systems, Inc.
(Voice Activated Dimmers)
13000 Danielson St. Suite J
Poway, CA 92064
Phone: 800.596.0061
www.vossystems.com

Stepless Ramps

Stepless has developed two new ramps for scooter and wheelchair use. The lightweight Stepless Suitcase Ramp can be folded once and carried like a suitcase. The ramp is available in 92 (36.2”), 122 (48”), 153 (60.2”) and 183 (72”) cm. lengths. The Stepless Telescopic Suitcase Ramp is lightweight and easier to handle, position and carry than traditional trifold ramps because of its ease of length adjustment. The telescopic function prevents finger pinching and requires less space for unfolding. It is available in 183 (72”), 213 (83.8”), 244 (96”) and 305 (120”) cm. lengths. Both ramps feature an integral non-slip surface; soft, rounded handles; cushioned ends to prevent sliding during use; and maintenance free anodized aluminum profiles for strength and stability.

Guldmann
(Stepless Ramps)
Graham Bells Vej 21-23A
DK-8200 Arhus N
Denmark
Phone: +45.8741.3131
www.stepless.com

 

Barrier-Free House Plans

FMR Home Portfolio now offers a catalog called 50 Barrier Free and Beautiful House Plans, a comprehensive collection of architectural plans for homes ranging from 1,000 to 7,000 square feet, with two and three bedrooms, and exclusive executive plans that include shaft space to accommodate vertical lifts.

The catalog itself, which can be ordered for $17.90, shows front elevation, main level floor plan, square footage and descriptions of each house. In addition to the architectural drawings, each study plan ordered from the catalog comes with universal detail sheets to show contractors how to build stepless entryways and roll-in showers and reinforce walls and ceilings for grab bars, lifts and hoists. There are recommendations for door hardware, outlet and switchplate height and other universal design features.

FMR Portfolio
(Barrier Free House Plans)
4418 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone: 888.937.3939