Maximizing Smart Lighting for Accessibility: A Deaf Couple's Journey

Hi everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. My partner and I are both deaf, and we’re currently exploring smart lighting solutions to enhance our home’s accessibility. Our goal is to create a system where lights can flash in specific patterns—like once for a doorbell or continuously for an alarm—so we can be alerted to important events without relying on sound.

We’ve been researching Lutron, Z-Wave, and Zigbee systems, each with its pros and cons. Lutron offers elegant, reliable solutions, but the cost and the dependency on their hub’s telnet port are concerns. Z-Wave and Zigbee seem more affordable and flexible, but we’re unsure about their ability to handle complex automation rules seamlessly.

One thing we’re particularly interested in is whether these systems can return to their previous state after an alert. For example, if a light was dimmed before an alert, it should return to that setting once the alert is acknowledged. This functionality is crucial for maintaining our daily routines without disruptions.

We’ve also considered using motion sensors alongside flat switches to keep our home’s aesthetic clean. However, we’re not sure if newer models offer the reliability and integration we need with our chosen protocol.

If anyone has experience with similar setups or recommendations, we’d greatly appreciate your insights. Whether it’s about specific brands, protocols, or even third-party apps that can enhance our system, we’re all ears!

Thank you for your time and help. Let’s keep the conversation flowing!

Best regards,
[Your Name]