Alexa, we could use a hand

Smart speakers like  Amazon Echo, Google Nest, or Apple HomePod are changing the way we engage with devices at home; and they can be a real game changing piece of assistive technology for people with disability.  They’re simple, responsive, and hands-free, just a few of the ingredients that can help make life a little bit easier. Here are some ways you could put them to use.

Supporting speech & language

For people with speech and language difficulties, interacting with a smart speaker can offer extra practice, independence, and even a bit of fun.

• Speech practice: Asking the speaker to play a song, tell a joke, or answer a question encourages clear, purposeful speech in a low-pressure way.
• Customised commands: You can often personalise the device to recognise certain phrases, making it easier for someone with articulation difficulties to get consistent results.
• Alternative communication: Some smart speakers integrate with AAC apps and devices, offering even more accessible options for people who are non-speaking or minimally verbal.

Tip: It helps to start with simple, rewarding commands like “Play Let It Go from Frozen” or “What’s the weather today?” - something that feels immediately useful or fun.

Assisting with physical needs

Smart speakers can offer real independence for people with limited mobility or fine motor challenges. They remove the need to physically touch switches, remotes, or phones.

• Turning lights and appliances on/off: Pair the speaker with smart plugs or bulbs, and you can control lights, fans, heaters, and more just by asking.
• Setting reminders: From taking medication to remembering appointments, setting a verbal reminder takes seconds.
• Making calls: Many smart speakers allow hands-free calls – perfect for someone who might struggle with a mobile phone keypad.
• Controlling the TV: Some systems can integrate with smart TVs or streaming devices (like Chromecast or Apple TV), allowing voice control of shows and movies.

Supporting sensory needs

Smart speakers can also create a sensory-friendly environment at the touch of a (metaphorical) button – or rather, the sound of a voice.

• Playing calming sounds: Ocean waves, rainfall, gentle music, or white noise can be played instantly to help regulate sensory overload or create a calming space.
• Setting routines: You can program routines like “Good Morning” that gradually turn on lights and play soft music, or “Wind Down” that dims lights and plays meditation sounds.
• Adjusting volume easily: If someone is sensitive to noise, the speaker’s volume can be adjusted just by asking – no tiny buttons on fiddly remote controls that are always in the wrong place when a meltdown is incoming.
• Interactive sensory activities: Some speakers have storytelling games or mindfulness exercises built in, offering sensory-friendly engagement without screens.

Sometimes the most unexpected uses for a smart speaker turn out to be the most valuable. 

Creating daily structure and routine

Knowing what’s happening next can reduce anxiety and make the day feel more manageable.

Smart speakers can help by:

• Announcing transitions: Set the speaker to announce activities throughout the day, like “Time to get dressed,” “School taxi is arriving soon,” or “Bedtime in 30 minutes.”
• Countdowns and timers: Use countdowns for activities that are hard to transition from – like “Five more minutes of iPad time” – giving a gentle auditory cue that change is coming.
• Reminders for regular tasks: Brushing teeth, feeding pets, taking medication – anything that needs to happen regularly can be programmed as a daily spoken reminder.

Try this: Use a morning routine where the speaker plays an upbeat song while announcing each step: “Good morning! Time to get dressed!” followed by “Don’t forget your backpack!” It takes the pressure off mum or dad being the “nagging” voice and makes mornings calmer.

Building fun and connection

It’s easy to think of smart speakers as purely functional, but they can actually be a beautiful way to have fun together

• Interactive games: Many smart speakers have trivia games, storytelling adventures, or even “choose your own adventure” games you can play just by speaking.
• Dance parties: Ask the speaker to play a dance playlist, and have an impromptu lounge room disco. Great for gross motor movement and mood-boosting.
• Jokes and riddles: Telling jokes is a lovely way to build communication confidence. Just ask, “Tell me a joke!” – and be prepared for endless bad puns.
• Learning new things: You can ask the speaker fun facts like “What’s the tallest mountain?” or “How far away is the moon?” Great for curious minds who love gathering random knowledge.

Providing extra safety and backup

While not a replacement for emergency systems, smart speakers can add an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.

• Emergency contact calls: Some smart speakers (like Echo devices) can be set up to call a family member or carer with a voice command like “Call Mum” if something goes wrong.
• Drop-in features: Some setups allow family members to “drop in” and talk through the speaker without needing the person to answer a phone – helpful if someone has difficulty using a mobile phone.
• Alerts and alarms: Loud verbal alarms can be set up for things like medication reminders, or even if a door sensor is triggered.

When you live with disability – either your own or a loved one’s – you become a master of adapting things to suit your needs. Smart speakers are no different. 

They’re not perfect, and they definitely won’t suit every situation. But if you can harness their flexibility, they can become another tool in your kit for promoting independence, smoothing out tricky parts of the day, and even having a bit of fun.