Multifunction Telemetered Switch for the Disabled

Many people (a UN statistic is 8 to 14% of the world population) are afflicted with physicallydisabling conditions which preclude them from performing tasks that are routine for more able bodiedindividuals. Carefully designed and engineered devices can, and do, enable disabled people tocommunicate and to exercise control over appliances, tools, recreational devices and other suchequipment in their environment. Most controlling devices currently available to the disabled have thedisadvantage of limited utility, having been designed for a very specific purpose or situation, or, in thecase of more sophisticated multipurpose equipment, the devices are quite expensive, thus limiting theiraccessibility. We will design, develop and build a set of fully functioning models of a unique switchingdevice, usable by individuals with a wide range of disabling conditions, that will embody the three typesof switching functions commonly desired, momentary, alternate on/off (latched) and timed; a range ofsignalling and feedback functions, and built in provision for telemetric remote environmental control ina single ergonomically designed package that can be produced and sold in quantity for under $40.