FeIRd

We strengthen the autonomy of people with limited mobility.                                                                                                                                                    

Change the channel on TV, turn up the volume on the radio, activate the air condition....
Simple, everyday activities, no-brainer. Right?
Not exactly. Not if you have mobility problems.
Actions that for most of us are so simple, for these people are very difficult and subsequently limit their self esteem.

This is why we created FeIRd
A device "as joystick", specially designed to be able to use everyday appliances by themselves:

• To watch TV (to change the channel or the volume). 
• To listen to music from the stereo. 
• To regulate the temperature in the air-condition. 

To feel and be a little more independent.

What it is

FeIRd (For every InfraRed device) is a device that enables people who cannot use their fingers or fine-tune to control household appliances.

• The device: Consists of a long lever (joystick), connected with a suitable remote control (universal remote control) that works via infrared (IR).

• What it does:  FeIRd easily controlls the operation of any appliances that can accept commands from IR port, for example, television, air conditioning and stereo.

• How it works: It is very easy to use, since it consists of a lever with cross movement and three large buttons. FeIRd does not require fine-tuning and also can be used even by foot. That way, people who can't use their fingers or can't use them to fine-tune, are able to control their household appliances.

• How to set it up: FeIRd can be "trained" easily in 10 seconds to communicate with new appliances, to store the settings and be ready for use.
  

But it is something more, FeIRd is: Open Hardware

As in every SciFY project, a free a list of the required materials and tools will be provided for, the supply sources along with the cost, complete construction drawings and detailed instructions and videos for construction and assembling.

The new knowledge that may arise from this project will be shared. 

As an open hardware project allows everyone to build it on their own, to adapt it to their needs, to develop it, etc.

In order to benefit as many people as possible from our effort.

Who is it for?

The FeIRd primarily address:

To those who can not use their fingers or make delicate movements with them. In order to feel and be more independent.
To their relatives, who take care of them. In order to be able to spend more quality time with them.

And also:

• In corresponding institutions for people with disabilities.
• To companies that want to integrate similar projects in their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) actions.
• To companies that operate in the field of people with disabilities.
• To manufacturers of household appliances.
• To hobbyists.

Anyone can use it, since we give for free the knowledge for its construction.

Results

Direct Impact: 100+ People

We designed, manufactured and offered 100 FeIRd devices, free of charge to those in need.

Project ID

• Duration: 05/2013-03/2014 (First Version) & 04/2014-12/2014 (Second Version)
• Funding: Self-Funfing (First Version) & Elpis & Bodossaki Foundation (Second Version)