Accessible Security Systems?

By Nathan, 11 June, 2018

Forum
Smart Home Tech and Gadgets

Hello,

I know this topic has been brought up before, but I am seeking recommendations for accessible alarm systems for the blind either through a web interface or IOS. I tested the Alarm.com app through a demo account, and the app did not seem that usable. There were a lot of unlabeled buttons. Does anyone know of a completely accessible security system, or if it even exists? How accessible is the ADT Pulse app?
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Nathan.

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Comments

By david s on Saturday, June 23, 2018 - 23:35

Hello,

There are plenty of alarm providers out there but it seems like most of the apps are not accessable. I think the mentality is a blind person will use the keychain remote and be satisfied.

I’ve tried a few and the one that had the most, or had some VO interaction is alarm.com. Plenty of unlabeled buttons but you can figure it out. While other app, VO doesn’t even say anything.

Anyway, I have alarm.com through Protect America. While the IOS app is not completely accessable, the watch app is. You can arm, disarm and if you have some vision and cameras, view live videos.

Another feature I like about the alarm.com console is the ability to name each sensors. Whether armed or not, if a door or window sensor is opened, the alarm will announce front door or master bedroom window. This way, if you are home alone, you can tell if someone enters the home and which entry point so you will not be caught off guard.

HTH and good luck.

By Kareem Dale on Saturday, June 23, 2018 - 23:35

I use the Front Point security system. Note that they do not come out and install so you likely will need sighted assistance to install and set up the system. I used a handyman. The App is far from perfect but it can be used to turn the alarm on and off and check history of when doors are open and close. You can do a few of the other things like settings with some effort. I believe the App that Front Point uses is one they get from alarm.com but I don't know if they slightly modify it or how that relationship related to the App quite works because Front Point is an entirely different company from alarm.com. One final note is that I don't update my App because I'm afraid that it'll be broken and I will not be able to use it so I haven't updated the App for about a year and a half so it's certainly possible that the current version is better or worse. I'm using it on an iphone 8 running IOS 11.4

By Troy on Saturday, June 23, 2018 - 23:35

Ring just came out with a security system that is $199.00 which you can have professional monitoring for $10.00 a month which is optional. They are taking preorders for it now on the ring.com website. I would assume since other ring products are pretty accessible, this one will be too.