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» THE IMPORTANCE OF ensuring that residences are accessible for everyone cannot be understated . Making adaptations to homes – whether it be stairlifts , ramps or hands-free door entry devices – gives all residents more independence , confidence and the dignity to go about their daily lives with ease . However , according to the English Housing Survey , 56 % of affordable housing does not have the adaptations that residents require – and 21 % of disabled tenants say their accommodation is unsuitable for their needs . [ 1 ]
Introducing user-friendly , technology-driven door entry solutions to residences is just one way to make a tangible difference to multi-dwelling blocks . Here , we explain how wireless , GSM-based intercoms can boost accessibility , with innovative features that make access control more seamless for residents of all ages and abilities .
Ultimate flexibility
Access control is a great place to start making positive changes to a building ’ s usability – and door entry devices have come a long way in recent years . The latest intercoms are powered by GSM , or the ‘ Global System for Mobile Communications ’, the same technology used to power mobile phones . As a completely wireless , digital system , GSM makes traditional wired intercoms with clunky plastic handsets redundant . Instead , residents can answer the door via a landline or their preferred digital device , like a smartphone or tablet . With residents able to grant property access from anywhere , these innovative wireless systems are ideal for those with mobility issues .
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Some access control systems have additional features that enhance the door entry experience even further . Intratone ’ s wireless SC-03 intercom , for example , allows housing managers to add shortcodes for visitors like healthcare professionals , so not only is essential access made easier but there are minimal disturbances to residents day-to-day . Thanks to its pinhole video camera , tenants can also have peace of mind that their building is secure , as they can check who is at the door before granting entry . Plus , the SC-03 ’ s full-colour screen and dynamic animations ensure that visitors ’ experience is made easy and engaging too .
Accessibility first Modern access control systems also have a variety of communication aids that enhance usability for residents and their visitors . For the visually impaired , for example , devices with backlighting help users to locate and maintain visual attention , especially compared to more muted varieties . Intercoms with yellow rings around the buttons provide a sharper contrast for visitors with reduced vision , while braille enables them to understand which button is which .
Audio induction loops are a handy feature , too , for those with hearing impairments . By wirelessly transmitting sound from the intercom to a person ’ s hearing aid , communication is made easier for visitors and tenants with deafness or hearing loss . Compatible hearing aid users can tune in by switching to the T ( Telecoil ) setting , enabling them to pick up an audio signal from the intercom . This allows them
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‘ it has never been a better time for installers to expand their portfolio to include the latest wireless access control systems ’
[ 1 ]
English Housing Survey , Department for Levelling Up , Housing and Communities , 2021
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to cut out unwanted background noise and improves audio quality significantly – without needing a receiver or handset .
Housing professionals can also opt for wireless intercom systems with direct dialling . Unlike scrolling intercoms , where users must search manually through every entry on the panel , a direct dial function makes it easier and faster to reach the tenant in question . For this reason , direct dial intercoms are an ideal addition for large blocks with many more units than standard scrolling intercoms .
Open to all
Within the affordable housing sector , the focus on accessibility will only increase over the coming months and years . As such , it has never been a better time for installers to expand their portfolio to include the latest wireless access control systems . GSM-powered intercoms , like Intratone ’ s wireless SC-03 , not only provide more flexibility for residents to answer the door wherever they are , but they include innovative features that can enhance communication and boost building security . Implementing accessible intercoms is a straightforward and costeffective way for housing managers to embrace inclusivity and make the tenant experience as seamless as possible – for everyone .
intratone . uk . com
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