Man's house obeys his every command

September 20, 2007

I think Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein would both be enthralled to meet Don Dalton, president and founder of Assistive Technologies Inc. from Naperville.

If you can imagine a voice-activated house, that obeys commands with a soothing female voice, then you can appreciate the genius and creativity that Dolton is known for.

While in the U.S. Navy, Dolton was trained in electronics and fire control. His life totally changed in 1969 after he dove off the swimming platform of a houseboat in Morris. His head smashed into a submerged cable spool causing him to break his back and left him a quadriplegic.

"I had two choices: I could feel sorry for myself the rest of my life or I could become productive. I found that there was very little technology available to assist me. For selfish reasons, I invented equipment that would allow me to be independent and in this process I could help all people with disabilities," Dolton said with a wry grin.

Dolton and his dedicated team have developed "Independence One," a wireless electronic aid that is completely voice activated and can control the VCR, DVD, garage door openers, phones, etc.

Dolton gave me a memorable demonstration. Here is how it works. Dolton says, "Listen to me!" The voice responds, "hello, I am here." If Dolton says "elevator up," the voice repeats the command and presto, an elevator rises through the floor.

When Dolton says "elevator down," once again, the voice repeats his command. Then, Dolton says, "go to sleep." The interactive voice responds, "time for bed."

These same series of commands are given to tell the television what channel to turn to, set the thermostat and surf the World Wide Web.

Independence One interfaces with Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional Inside that can be used to dictate over 200 words a minute without pushing the keys on a keyboard.

Heidi Reich-Aguilar, a colleague of Dolton's, says, "Don is absolutely amazing. He has an uncanny ability to suggest just the right product for a person with a disability to enhance their independence."

Dolton is concerned about the extraordinarily high rates of unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities.

"They are an untapped resource. Assistive technology can often open employment doors as well as help the person live a more independent life. It is important to go on and live life."

Dalton and his staff do assessments to determine an individual's technological needs. Many of their products are even used by physicians and attorneys.

For more information, visit www.assistivetechnologies.com or 1(800) 244-4906.

I can't help but believe that Captain Kirk and Captain Picard from "Star Trek" would feel quite at home with Dolton's Independence One. So what is next on the horizon? Beam me up, Scotty!

Valerie Brew-Parrish: Val4info@comcast.net