The Amazon Echo has played an important role in making life easier for users. Whether it is turning on the lights, finding recipes, or checking the weather, the voice-activated speaker helps make daily life easier. But one factor that is commonly overlooked, is the Echo's ability to assist people with disabilitiesWhether it is for mobility and vision issues, or an easier way to travel, the Amazon Echo is an amazing tool.Here are some Alexa skills that can help people with disabilities complete daily tasks easier.
1. OurGroceries
Just say "Alexa, ask OurGroceries to add milk to the shopping list."
OurGroceries is an app that helps you keep track of your shopping needs. The app allows you to keep your grocery lists instantly synchronized on all Android and iOS devices in your home. This free app can also scan barcodes and track recipes with the touch of a button.
This app is perfect for users with fine motor skill disabilities as enabling this Alexa skill to your Echo device allows users to talk to Alexa and ask it to add items to your shopping list.
This saves both time and energy as users do not need to write down a shopping list, and they can just look at the completed list on their phone once they enter the grocery shops. After you have returned from the shop, Alexa can also help you prepare the perfect meal.
2. Uber
Just say "Alexa, ask Uber to request a ride."
With the Uber skill, you can get a reliable ride in minutes without using your phone. All you need to do is ask Alexa.
Provided that you already have downloaded the Uber app on iOS and Android and created an account, Your Uber account can be linked to your Alexa in a very simple way.
First, set your location on the Alexa app (iOS or Android) through Settings. Next, touch More, then Skills and Games. After this, simply locate the Uber skill, enable it, and link your account.
If driving has become more of a stress-induced activity rather than an easier way of traveling due to disabilities, the Uber skill will help you take the stress off yourself, and enjoy a nice little break while you can be driven to your destination.
3. Smart Life
Just say "Alexa, turn on the hallway light."
Make life easier with the Smart Life skill. This skill is perfect for users with mobility issues. Provided that you have the correct gadgets and smart home attachments, you can turn off light switches, turn on fans, and adjust the thermostat by simply asking Alexa.
This allows users to remain seated and help limit the amount of unnecessary movement they have to do throughout the household. Here are more apps that can assist wheelchair users.
4. Smart TV Remote
Just say "Alexa, tell Smart Remote to turn on my TV."
Simply put, once this Alexa skill is enabled, users will be able to control their television with their voices. Unfortunately for Apple users, this app is currently only available on Android.
Alternatively, If you are not comfortable asking your device to turn the volume up, or change the channel, you can open the app on your phone. This app will resemble a universal remote control with larger buttons to see and buttons that activate with the tap of a finger, rather than having to push a button down on a physical remote.
5. eWeLink Smart Home
Just say "Alexa, turn on switch."
The eWeLink Smart Home skill is an excellent creation to help assist users who struggle with muscle weakness. Similar to the Smart Life skill, the eWeLink Smart Home (once it is enabled on your Echo device) has the power to turn on switches via voice commands.
An interesting addition to this, created by a company called Record, is a smart Wi-Fi switch used to automate the front door. When you ask Alexa to open the door, the switch will be activated and force the door open (and shut) safely. This allows users to walk in and out of their homes without having to struggle to open the door.
A fun feature of this is the ability to change the command word. Instead of asking for the door to open, you can change the command to "open sesame" or "knock-knock" to add a bit of enjoyment to the action.
Using Amazon Alexa for Help
Enabling these Alexa skills on your Amazon Echo device is a great way for people with disabilities to manage their lifestyles and make daily tasks easier to achieve.