Rehabmart offers many different types of environmental control units at discount prices. Visit our environmental control units page to view the different products we have to offer!

Technology can make life better and easier for everyone, as inventions are inherently designed to facilitate accomplishing things in the most efficient way for the hustle and bustle of this busy world.  'Assistive' technology refers to any device that assists people who experience limitations or disabilities so that they may independently complete the task at hand, and these devices vary from a simple electric can opener for someone with a weak grip all the way to a complex motorized scooter for someone with limited mobility.  Children and adults with varying physical or mental challenges can benefit from assistive technology.  Augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) are a sub group of assistive technology that includes extra equipment, software, and services that elevates all forms of communication, especially face-to-face communication. 

One of the most complex and beneficial examples of assistive technology and an AAC is an Environmental Control Unit (ECU), a PDA-sized device that enables disabled individuals to more actively participate in all everyday activities and conversations whether at home, in school, or in a health care facility.  An ECU allows a person to communicate even when traditional speaking and writing are not effective, and each one is individually customized to address a specific person's motor, communication, and environmental needs.

  
Among the best ECUs on the market is the recently designed infrared Jive Environmental Control Unit available at Rehabmart.  The Jive ECU sends an infrared signal to the control unit, which in turn sends another infrared signal to the appliance, resulting in the desired action.  The Jive ECU is handheld with a super visible touch screen that offers the complete package of comprehensive message building capabilities, clear and high quality Acapela voice synthesization, and predictive typing.  The Jive ECU is used by people of all ages who experience a variety of disabilities.  Because it includes pictures and symbol options on the display, device users do not need to be able to read to utilize it.  The Jive ECU controls any infrared device in the home and provides visual and audible feedback.

The Jive ECU is controlled through a range of user-friendly interfaces, including the touch of a button or by voice controls, allowing people with physical limitations to control all of the electronic devices in their immediate environment like TVs, computers, lights, appliances, climate control, and also to communicate with ease and heightened ability.

There are two million Americans who are able to hear but have little or no usable speech.  This speech disability can be the result of autism, brain injury, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, severe language delay, stroke, or a neuromuscular disease and these people with speech limitations would greatly benefit from the Jive ECU in their daily routine, and would help to improve their quality of life.  As Voltaire once said, "I may not like what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."  Research has shown that ECUs actually promote natural speech development by reinforcing language through visual, auditory, and motor techniques.

The Jive Environmental Control Unit is the ultimate all-in-one package that allows users to regain control of their environment by being able to meet their own needs while facilitating communication, leading to a more functional and connected life. 

Alyssa Aldana,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO