A system and method are provided that use at least one proximity sensor to illuminate a transmitter such that the transmitter can be seen by the user and/or to activate the transmitter so that the user can interface with the transmitter and send code to a receiver via the transmitter to effect an action, such as the opening or closing of a barrier or garage door. The transmitter can also be deactivated so that the proximity sensor is not continually triggering actions by the transmitter thereby potentially causing unwanted actions by the transmitter.