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A number of people with disabilities like spinal cord injuries and Multiple Sclerosis are regaining control of their environment with the MEDIAssistant System, for example: Terry, who has a high spinal cord injury, uses his MEDIAssistant to control his TV, surround sound receiver, DVD player, cable box, fireplace, lights, electrical door opener, lift and garage overhead door all by just using his voice. Colin, a student with quadriplegia at the C4 level, not only uses his MEDIAssistant to control lights and to call his suite mate, he also uses the system and a headtracking mouse to create AutoCAD drawings for his landscape architecture classes in college, again all hands-free.
Some MEDIAssistant models use Windows® Media Center Edition as their operating system. Windows® Media Center uses easy-to-understand screens to access its media features of watching and recording TV (including pausing Live TV), playing DVDs, viewing digital photographs, listening to CD music and listening to FM radio. These systems can use newer televisions as displays so the entire family can share the viewing experience. A Media Center Edition infrared remote control and infrared keyboard are available for remote operation by others.
In the past, a complete system with the audio/visual and control capabilities of the MEDIAssistant would require a number of expensive components and many hours of custom programming. prices for MEDIAssistant systems start at under $4,000. Programming, installation, training and any additional installation materials that are required are billed separately because of the custom nature of each installation.
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The MEDIAssistant by Convergence Concepts is a PC-based Electronic Aid to Daily Living (EADL) specifically designed to help individuals with disabilities regain control of their environment and have access to the capabilities of a high-end PC. It was developed with the input from staff and patients at Craig Hospital, one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation centers. 
MEDIAssistant systems can control a variety of devices throughout the home, including infrared controlled electronics like TVs, VCRs, DVD players, cable and satellite boxes, and stereo receivers. In addition, the system can use the widely available X-10™ technology to control household electrical equipment like lights, fans, lifts, door openers, elevators, and thermostats.
The key to the MEDIAssistant’s power and ease of use is its unique touchscreen remote controL that wirelessly communicates with the computer to tell it what to do. The touch screen remote control combines the functions of multiple remote controls into a single intuitive unit with large ‘soft’ buttons that react to the touch of a finger or typing stick and don’t require pressure. No need to decipher what button to press, they are all labeled in plain English. Each system is customized for each customer’s equipment, including favorite TV and radio channels and names for environmental devices (Kitchen Lights, Bedside Lamp, Fan, etc.).
For individuals with higher levels of disability, the MEDIAssistant system is now available with a customized version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking® speech recognition software from Nuance to provide simple voice control of the system. After the system is trained for the user’s voice, it will respond to all of the functions of the remote control by simply speaking the command. The system can be used to make phone calls hands free. Plus, NaturallySpeaking allows users to access the Internet and write emails without touching a keyboard or mouse. A high quality wireless microphone is also available to allow voice control and telephone use throughout the home.
