Press Release
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jason Voiovich: 651-294-2200 or jvoiovich@ablenetinc.com
AbleNet Features Latest Augmentative and Alternative Communication Innovations at Upcoming ASHA 2010 Conference
Presentations and Products Feature the Latest Communications Solutions for All Disabilities and Age Groups
St. Paul, MN – November 12, 2010 – AbleNet, Inc. will feature its newest and most popular augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) products at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 2010 Conference being held November 18–20, 2010, in Philadelphia. This conference gives professionals including speech-language pathologists and audiologists an opportunity to see the very latest in communication devices and solutions.
"This year's ASHA conference theme of 'Leadership into New Frontiers' aligns perfectly with the AbleNet mission to develop powerful solutions that enhance the ability of all people to reach their full potential, regardless of disability," said AbleNet CEO Jen Thalhuber. "It is inspiring to witness the life-changing impact that the AAC innovations are making for even those with profound disability caused by disease, illness, accident or other disabling conditions."
Several of the newest AbleNet products will be showcased at company booth 749. These products are simple-to-use assistive technology solutions that empower people with complex physical and cognitive disabilities, including those with low vision. These products maximize opportunities for users to engage in everyday activities to the fullest extend.
SoundingBoard™: SoundingBoard is the newest member of a long line of communication devices from AbleNet that enables communication by people who are nonverbal or those with limited ability to speak. SoundingBoard is a new application designed specifically for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad and allows the user to "speak" simply by touching the symbol shown on the display screen. This device benefits individuals with a broad range of disabilities who have complex communication needs such as developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy or autism. Users can create custom communication boards, routines and visual schedules recorded in any language. A broad set of AbleNet symbols is included as a starting point, but users can use their own photos to customize and build a unique AAC device.
AbleNet will also hold a drawing every day of the conference for a free SoundingBoard app.
QuickTalker™: This is AbleNet's new easy-to-use, go-anywhere communicator, which enables the student or child to start communicating in minutes. The QuickTalker communicator is the most affordable multi-message device on the market today. It is available with 7, 12 and 23 locations. The variety of message locations and the five available levels provide the flexibility needed to customize the communication and learning outcomes for each student.
QuickTalker combines the expertise and experience AbleNet has built up over its years of manufacturing customer-led augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and includes such features as:
- Built-in handle for easy portability
- Built-in symbols storage
- Variable recording time depending on model
Possum Jive!: This handheld communication aid offers a wide range of symbol and text communication, uses the incredibly clear Acapela voice synthesizer and introduces full infrared environmental control for the first time in an AAC device of this size. The device is fully programmable onboard or with the included software. With its modern contemporary look and feel, the Jive! offers a complete lifestyle solution.
Boost™: The Boost™ Personal Video Magnifier has a compact, colorful design that is durable and user-friendly. This video magnifier is an easy-to-use portable tool that "boosts" reading and comprehension for adults as well as children with vision impairment. Adults can keep Boost handy in their pocket for convenient use while shopping, attending community events, reading at home and much more. Boost will also help students improve their reading skills and comprehension. The lightweight Boost has two levels of magnification, a 3.5-inch screen, anti-blur technology, rechargeable battery and a two-year manufacturer's warranty.
To learn more about these products, visit www.ablenetinc.com.
Conference Presentations: AbleNet will also be giving several conference presentations, which include the following.
Session Number: 0302
Title: Introducing Jive! From Possum: A Totally New AAC Device
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2010
Time: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Room: 106A, Pennsylvania Convention Center
This session will introduce the Jive! handheld communication aid to audiences. The Jive! is a small, dynamic display device with a full range of features, newly available in North America. Session attendees will receive an in-depth walkthrough of Jive!'s features and usability.
Session Number: 0323
Title: AAC for Any Ability: The EasyTech to HighTech Hardware View
Date: Saturday, November 20, 2010
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Room: 106B, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Presented by Mary Sagstetter, AbleNet, Inc., this session will illustrate the spectrum of AAC solutions available from AbleNet. Session attendees will learn how the right AAC device can deliver independence and interaction at any skill level.
About AbleNet
AbleNet is an international company and industry leader in providing educational and technical solutions to help children and adults with disabilities lead productive and fulfilled lives. This includes a complete line of communication aids for nonverbal individuals; access aids, such as switches and wheelchair-mounting devices for people who require physical supports; and special education classroom curriculum and software that both enhance and help ensure learning progress. The products are represented in more than 60 countries and used in hundreds of thousands of classrooms in the United States and across the globe. For more information visit www.ablenetinc.com.