For individuals with high cervical spinal cord injuries, technology has long played a crucial role in daily life. Environmental control systems have been used for decades to support home automation, traditionally relying on direct switch control. However, the emergence of mainstream smart home technologies—such as voice-controlled assistants—has expanded the range of accessible options.

Devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri are enabling people to control their TVs, adjust lighting, and even water their gardens using only their voice. This shift has led to greater satisfaction and independence for many individuals who rely on these technologies in their everyday lives.

A research team at the University of the Sunshine Coast, led by Associate Professor Michele Verdonck and including Joana Fowler—an expert user with lived experience of SCI—is investigating how people integrate both traditional assistive technologies and mainstream smart home solutions to manage their homes. This study aims to not only document real-world experiences but also to explore the financial aspects, assessing both the costs and economic benefits of these systems. Researchers are hoping to recruit another 10 with SCI who live in Australia to explore diverse experiences.

Funded by NIISQ, this research aims to establish key principles for the selection, use, and prescription of home-based technologies. A significant goal of the project is to foster a wider community of practice, encouraging knowledge-sharing among users so they can benefit from peer expertise and lived experiences.

If you’re interested in learning more about the study or sharing this with others engaging in discussions around best practices for home technology use, feel free to contact the research team.