Press Release
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CONTACT: Kris Sundberg: 612-332-4222 or kris@linksresults.com
AbleNet Inc. Announces International Winner of the 'AbleNet – ISAAC Remarkable Achievements Award'
Swati Chakraborty of the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy is being honored for her leadership in bringing assistive technology solutions to India
St. Paul, MN – March XX, 2010 – AbleNet, Inc. and International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) announces the winner of the first "AbleNet – ISAAC Remarkable Achievements Award." Swati Chakraborty of the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy (IICP) and Coordinator of Information Communication Technology is being honored for championing low-cost, easy-tech communications technology solutions for individuals in India who have a broad range of communication disorders.
The award will be presented at the ISAAC 14th International Conference in Barcelona, Spain in July 2010. Chakraborty will be awarded a USD $2,000 stipend, the honor to be a key speaker at the ISAAC Biennial Conference and receive $500 USD toward travel to the conference.
"AbleNet is pleased to announce this international award going to an individual who has made extraordinary strides in building awareness of AAC tools to numerous individuals throughout India," said Adam Wing, vice president of International Business for AbleNet, Inc. "Swati Chakraborty understands the life-changing power of assistive technology and took the lead in her country to build awareness and action on behalf of those who couldn't do so for themselves."
Chakraborty started working 20 years ago to bring affordable, inclusive technologies to a broad range of those with disability. She focused on finding and developing assistive technology solutions while working with young people with cerebral palsy who have complex communications needs. Many of these students enjoyed for the first time the ability to gain greater access, education, communication, vocational training and leisure activities.
"I am so pleased that our work on making technology accessible to people with communication problems in developing countries is being acknowledged," said Swati Chakroborty. "But I firmly believe that technology is but a tool, and to make communication accessible for all we still need to work on changing attitudes, overcoming barriers and making our society more inclusive. Technology is indeed a very powerful tool to support this effort."
"It is gratifying to honor Swati Chakraborty for such dedication in bringing easy to use, cost-effective AAC devices to India," states Shelley Deegan, Chair of the ISAAC Council. "Her work was instrumental to helping individuals in India with severe disability, regardless of their economic condition, participate in social and school activities with their peers and family. This is core to the mission of ISAAC."
Through the work of Chakraborty, assistive technology devices are now used throughout India allowing voice communications in educational and social settings. These devices enable non-verbal children to present their poems and stories; go shopping and ask for services and goods; deliver speeches and many more activities never possible before Chakraborty started her work.
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. Our products are used in hundreds of thousands of homes, clinics and classrooms in the United States and across the globe. AbleNet is an ESOP company located in Roseville, Minnesota. For more information visit www.ablenetinc.com.
About ISAAC
The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) works to improve the life of every adult and child with communication disorders. Founded in 1983, ISAAC has thousands of members in 50 countries. Members are people who use AAC, their families, therapists, teachers, doctors, researchers and people who make communication aids. ISAAC completes projects and provides information in hopes that AAC will be recognized, valued and used all across the world. For more information, visit www.isaac-online.org.