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If you have recently moved into an accessible home — perhaps with the support of the title insurance experts at Title First Agency — you might be wondering how smart technology can benefit you as a homeowner with a disability. There are countless smart home devices on the market that can be especially helpful for people with disabilities. These tips will help you choose the right devices for your home while saving money.
Consider Cybersecurity
No matter which smart devices you choose to invest in, it’s important to think about cybersecurity before installing them. If you want to ensure your family and home’s internet safety, digital security should be one of your highest priorities. Coming up with a plan to protect your home and your network is critical. Consider how you can prevent issues like identity theft, viruses, hacking, and more.
Video Doorbell
If you use a mobility aid, you might need a little extra time to greet visitors when they ring your doorbell. This is why video doorbells can be useful for people with disabilities — you can see who is on your porch before heading to the door.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus captures video before motion events, so that you can see exactly what’s going on outside your front door. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, Tech Hive recommends the Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell for people working with tighter budgets. This model is battery powered, so you can mount it wherever you feel it blends in best.
Smart Speaker
Today’s smart speakers come with endless exciting features that will simplify your everyday life. But with so many choices available, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by the variety. If you’re interested in a smaller speaker at a more affordable price, consider the Apple HomePod Mini, which is compact and easy to use. If top-notch audio quality is a high-priority consideration for you, EndGadget recommends the Nest Audio, which is a bit larger than the smallest models on the market, but still easy enough to tuck away out of sight.
If you’re worried that your new smart speaker will clash with your home’s aesthetic, consider buying a speaker in a color that will match your existing decor. You can also place your speaker in a corner where it will be somewhat hidden behind houseplants and other knick-knacks — you’ll barely notice it!
Smart Refrigerator
There’s no denying that a smart refrigerator is a major investment. However, it can be a very worthwhile purchase for people with disabilities. With a smart refrigerator, it’s easy to keep track of everything you have in stock, and when you’re low on certain ingredients, you can often order them directly from your fridge. Plus, it will alert you if the door has been open for too long — if you take medication that needs to stay refrigerated, this feature can bring you peace of mind.
Do you have a large family? The Samsung Family Hub is a sizable smart fridge that might be the perfect choice for your home. But the LG InstaView ThinQ smart fridge is slimmer, which makes it a good choice for people with smaller kitchens. It’s a good idea to wait for deals at your local appliance stores to get the best price on this item.
Today, smart home devices can be an integral part of accessible home design. From video doorbells to smart speakers to hi-tech refrigerators, smart technology can make it easier for people with disabilities to live comfortably and independently in their own homes. With these tips and product comparisons, you’ll be able to equip your home with the devices you need!
Are you in need of title or real estate settlement services? Title First Agency offers all of this and more. Get in touch today at 866-320-8400.
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