Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) is a national disability charity based in Surrey, UK, that offers a range of expert services that help disabled people increase their independence and live the life they choose. QEF’s Care and Rehabilitation Centre provides expert neuro rehabilitation for individuals with acquired brain injuries following an accident, stroke, neurological illness, or incomplete spinal-cord injury. Clients receive 24-hour nursing care, as well as therapy programs to meet their individual neuro rehabilitation needs.
THE CHALLENGE:
QEF partnered with AV integrator Imperium to deploy Crestron solutions in its new flagship Care and Rehabilitation Centre. During the design process, one of QEF’s key requirements was to find an innovative way to use accessible technology in the bedrooms to give clients more control over their personal space and a greater sense of independence. Taking into account varied physical limitations of the clients, the solution needed to be easy to use, and cost-effective, as QEF is a non-profit organization.
THE SOLUTION:
QEF researched multiple technology providers, including companies offering DIY solutions, as the costs initially seemed lower. However, the benefits of long term warranty for products was an important factor, especially as this was the first time the technology had been used in this way. QEF engaged with Crestron and Imperium to specify a Crestron system that could meet their specific requirements and grow to reflect their future needs.
THE SOLUTION QEF researched multiple technology providers, including companies offering DIY solutions, as the costs initially seemed lower. However, the benefits of long term warranty for products was an important factor, especially as this was the first time the technology had been used in this way. QEF engaged with Crestron and Imperium to specify a Crestron system that could meet their specific requirements and grow to reflect their future needs.
Crestron technology allows clients to manage their personal space and even aids support workers, who, for example, can use voice commands to turn on the lights whilst continuing to help someone to get out of bed or get dressed. With Crestron, the televisions, lighting, heating, blinds, and more are now controllable by the clients independently. Each person can close their blinds without needing to call for assistance and can turn on the television and change channels or volume. This has increased personal independence and improved overall confidence, wellness, safety, and security, as it allows clients more control over their surroundings. The life-changing injuries or neurological conditions that many clients have, mean that some might have difficulties speaking and others have limited motor function, so a combination of voice control and touch control was deemed the most appropriate solution. A handheld remote or touch screen wouldn’t always offer the control-levels needed. However, by using voice control, running on the Crestron Home platform, clients can adapt the technology controls to suit their needs, either using voice commands, communication aids or physical switches. In-wall dimmers, wall-mount thermostats and Crestron shading expand the possibilities of the technology.
RESULTS:
With Crestron, QEF clients can now independently manage their personal environments in a way that was not possible before. Crestron has delivered simplified, easy-to-use solutions that have elevated the overall experience of QEF's Care and Rehabilitation Centre for clients, further assisting with their recovery. In addition, QEF has the ability to expand the number of rooms and technologies down the road in lieu of having to buy completely new systems.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
