'Smart' home: Paralyzed in a car accident, student achieves goal of living on his own

SPARTANBURG, SC (FOX Carolina) -

A paralyzed Spartanburg Co. man has technology on his side, offering him new ways to live more independently.

When Johnathan Dodd was in a horrific car crash that paralyzed him from the neck down, he promised doctors two things: he would walk again, and he would get a place of his own.

Today, Dodd lives in that place of his own, and thanks to smart technology, he is able to live there by himself without the need for in-home staff. Since his accident, Dodd has regained feeling in his limbs and hopes to be able to walk again. Certain things, he said, are hard; things like opening doors and turning on the TV.

The Charles Lea Center, a Spartanburg Co. nonprofit has teamed up with Asheville-based company Simply Home to help people like Dodd live more independently.

With the use of an iPad, Dodd can open his door, turn down the thermostat, even turn on the TV.

Even though Dodd still cannot walk, he said the independence afforded him through the Charles Lea Center's transitional program helps him stay positive.

"I knew somehow, some way, I was gonna figure out a way to be independent," Dodd said.

The Charles Lea Center staff said they have 71 residents spread throughout the county, and some of those rely on this type of technology.

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Read more: http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/31694634/smart-house-helps-local-man-after-paralyzing-accident#ixzz45dXVP4St

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