Life really can be like a box of chocolates.

Not long ago, when a wall switch, fan switch, thermostat, VCR, door, lamp, telephone or bed control was out of reach, or operating it took more strength than you had, you went without.

Enter the age of "smart" technology and suddenly life is much sweeter. Now, electronic magic puts operation of all these devices back into your hands with easy-to-manage controls.

The difference can be as simple as installing a battery-operated remote that tilts window blind slats. The Power Ease made by Cepia does just that. It sells for less than $20 at most home improvement stores and installs easily using Velcro.

On the other end of the spectrum are customized environmental control units (ECU) like those offered by Quartet Technology of Massachusetts. Although Quartets ECUs sell for several thousand dollars each, they require no special wiring, operate by remote control switch or are voice-activated.

These high-end ECUs keep you in complete control of everything in your home (no matter where you are) from your sprinklers, heating or cooling system, computer or security system, to your appliances, lighting or intercom. Additionally, they dont interfere with a devices typical mode of operation, so other household members can operate things as they normally would.

Technology today offers endless possibilities for every need and every size pocketbook. The more optional modes of operation you choose, the more independence you gain. You dont have to rewire your home or do any extensive programming in fact, most ECUs are plug-and-play user-friendly.

	The author presses a remote button that signals a battery-operated Power Ease remote by Cepia to open or close her window blinds (below).

Quartet defines the modern-day ECU as an electronic device that allows even the most handicapped persons to manipulate and control their surroundings making it possible for them to perform many of the daily tasks which they normally must depend on others to do for them.

What's in a Name?

While the definition hasnt changed, insiders say the name has, and for good reason.

There is a push in the industry to refer to ECUs now as an electronic aid to daily living or EADL, Quartets President/CEO Michael Rourke said. Occupational and physical therapists led the charge for the name change because obtaining insurance funding of an aid to daily living (ADL) is commonplace but not so when using the ECU terminology.

The ECU is not a luxury item, Rourke said. Its an electronic version of an ADL. It can make the difference of someone living at home or not, attending school or working outside the home or not.

Makeover

Last year many people were introduced to what EADLs can do to enhance independence and quality of life when ABC featured Quartet Technologys Simplicity Series EADL on an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Quartet has been designing and manufacturing assistive technology for individuals with physical limitations for more than 20 years. Its products became known to millions when the program showed how the renovation of a home using EADL technology left a family member with quadriplegia in complete control of doors, entertainment systems, lighting, heating and cooling, etc.

In addition to making many aspects of life accessible to the person with a disability, the EADL system relieved others in the family of many of the tasks theyd performed for him.

The Simplicity Series EADL offers many options, including hands-free telephone and systems activated by either voice or switch. The latter is ideal for people whose voices change in quality over time or even over the course of a single day. Remote control features allow you to operate the system from anywhere in your home or office without moving the EADL or being tethered to it by extension cords.

SAJE Technology of Illinois offers video demonstrations of its EADL products on its Web site, including hands-free operation of doors, the entertainment center, lighting and an electronic bed. SAJEs PC-based Powerhouse series also features voice-command operation of appliances, telephone, security systems, and the Freedom Bed, an automated patient rotation bed.

	This man uses a voice-activated Simplicity All-in-One EADL from Quartet Technology to control his television set.

You can control a single device or selected devices in a group or zone by a voice command that you specify. The system accommodates an unlimited number of voice commands or allows remote Web access. The Powerhouse Home EADL starts at $4,500, and the Powerhouse Roommate EADL for single-room solutions starts at $2,500.

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