WMU News

New device allows people without limbs to operate TV, lights

April 4, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- The Department of Occupational Therapy at Western Michigan University has purchased a new device designed to help people with severe disabilities operate their environment independently.

Called an environmental control unit, or ECU for short, the device lets people who have no function of their bodies operate a TV, VCR, radio, fan, light and other household appliances through a voice-activated personal computer.

This new sophisticated piece of technology is currently set up in WMU's Unified Clinics on the fourth floor of the University Medical and Health Sciences Center at 1000 Oakland Drive. A company representative will give a demonstration to occupational therapy students on Wednesday, April 5.

Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 616 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu


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