Supporting everyday life with Grid and Alexa
As humans, we need to feel capable, independent, and connected to other people. These are the main ideas of Self-Determination Theory, which emphasises the value of feeling empowered, in control, and connected. Assistive technology can help to meet these needs by boosting independence and involvement in daily life. In this blog, Becky, Clinical AAC Specialist and Speech and Language Therapist at Smartbox, explores how integrating voice-activated technology, like Alexa, into AAC can create new opportunities for connection and control. Please note: This blog is not a paid piece of content with Amazon, we are just using Alexa as an example of how this technology can be used. AAC tools, especially when integrated with smart technology, can significantly enhance a person’s ability to engage with their environment. Voice-activated technology, such as Alexa, can simplify access to information and facilitate interaction between AAC users and their surroundings. By using Grid’s Ask Alexa feature, users can retrieve news updates, set reminders, play music, control smart home devices, and more. Simple actions like these are small yet empowering steps toward greater autonomy. By independently performing routine tasks, individuals can reduce their reliance on caregivers, build confidence, and take greater control of their lives, allowing fuller participation in everyday activities. Our Grid software has a number of grid sets that integrate seamlessly with Alexa, including symbol vocabularies such as Voco Chat and Super Core, and text vocabularies such as Alpha Core, as well as the stand alone Amazon Echo grid set. You can personalise these grid sets, tailoring them to specific requests and interests. This customisation makes it easier to meet individual communication needs. The Amazon Echo grid set is specifically designed for Alexa, allowing you to enjoy features such as listening to music, tuning into the radio, hearing news headlines, and controlling smart home devices. This ready-made grid set has plenty of space for you too add or remove your own phrases too. In Super Core, you can access Alexa under ‘Apps’ when you click on ‘Magic Wand.’ In Voco Chat, you can access Alexa under ‘Apps’ when you click on ‘My Toolkit.’ In Aphasia Duo 16, you can access Alexa under ‘Supports.’ You can also access Alexa In Aphasia Duo 9, under ‘Supports,’ then ‘Next.’ If you have any problems with Alexa not responding to instructions spoken from Grid, we recommend that you turn on the Amazon accessibility feature called Adaptive Listening. This feature allows more flexibility with pauses, making it easier for users to interact with Alexa. You can enable Adaptive Listening in the settings of the Alexa app. For more information, visit Amazon’s guide here. The video below features one of our users, Sam, accessing Alexa in Grid, along with a variety of other environmental controls. Using Grid with Alexa also gives you options when it comes to personal security, enabling you to feel in control and safe in your home. For example, by connecting an Amazon Echo Show, which has a video screen with a Ring Doorbell system, individuals can see and communicate with visitors at their door using voice commands or pre-configured phrases in Grid. This hands-free interaction can help users to control access to their home independently, monitor activity, and respond to unexpected visitors without requiring physical movement or assistance from others. Technology designed for accessibility isn’t just about convenience — it’s about unlocking potential, amplifying voices, and transforming possibilities into reality.
The role of AAC in supporting autonomy
Here are some ways in which Alexa can support users
Using Alexa in Grid
Independence through smart security