News and Events
Events
31st Annual Closing the Gap Conference
Wednesday - Friday, October 9-11, 2013Preconference Workshops: Monday and Tuesday, October 7-8, 2013
Minneapolis, MN
This year's conference builds on a tradition of providing a comprehensive examination of the most current uses of technology by persons with disabilities and the professionals who work with them.
Topics will cover a broad spectrum of technology as it is being applied to all disabilities and age groups in education, rehabilitation, vocation, and independent living. Come and learn, first-hand, about the products and best AT practices and strategies by and for teachers, therapists, clinicians, parents and end users alike.
While at the conference, please plan to visit us at booth #318 and make note in your planner to attend our and AssistiveWare's educational sessions.
News
A New Version of Dragger™ is Released, and it Runs on Windows 8
Grand Prairie, TX, 7 May 2013 — Dragger version 2 has been released and it is fully compatible with the Windows 8 Desktop and the Modern ("Metro") Interface. It also runs on versions of Windows back to Windows Vista.
Dragger is the leader in mouse button utility software. Dragger is a trusted tool that runs on computers across the globe.
This latest release updates Dragger to improve performance on Windows Vista and Windows 7 machines and allows Dragger to run not only on the traditional Windows 8 Desktop, but it also operates on top of full-screen apps running on the Windows 8 Modern Interface.
Dragger now has a simplified evaluation and installation process that only requires one download. After an up to 30-day evaluation, an activation code is purchased, entered and used by Dragger to contact our web server and activate the license. If the computer does not have an internet connection the customer can call or email with their machine identification code, and a machine license will be issued. If required, maintenance updates can be performed by clicking one button.
An extensive help file is included with Dragger eliminating the problem of a lost user guide. If you have a question about Dragger, help is just a click away.
Existing customers with proof of purchase may upgrade for half the standard price. Customers that purchased Dragger within one-year of Dragger version 2 release may upgrade for no charge. Please check our web site, www.orin.com/access/dragger for more information about Dragger. To download a fully functional 30-day evaluation copy go to our downloads page, www.orin.com/access/demos and scroll to the Dragger link. For additional questions, please email us at support@orin.com.
AssistiveWare Reveals Proloquo2Go 3.0 with ExpressivePower, Switch Access, Social Sharing, New Voices and Dropbox Support
AMSTERDAM, and GRAND PRAIRIE, TX — May 2, 2013 – AssistiveWare® B.V., a leading innovator in the assistive technology market, today announced Prololoquo2Go® 3.0, a major new release of its award-winning Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) application for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Proloquo2Go 3.0 features switch access support to better serve people with physical disabilities, new options for voice versatility, extended ability for users to share their “words” for social networking, five new natural sounding voices and Dropbox support.
Proloquo2Go enables people to talk using symbols or typed text in a natural-sounding voice that suits their age and character providing a “voice” to over 50,000 individuals around the world, who are unable to speak or have difficulty speaking.
Proloquo2Go 3.0, now available as a free update to existing customers, is a significant release with many exciting new features:
- ExpressivePower™ - For personalizing with natural intonations, prerecorded expressions and sounds. Coupled with the many free specialty voices, users have a wide range of voice versatility to help them get their point across and spice up conversations. Say “Great!” and “I love you!” with real emotion.
- Switch Access - Single and two switch scanning support with five scanning modes, three scanning patterns, hold duration, visual cues and much more. Users can configure the screen to be their switch or a use any standard external switch through a Bluetooth switch interface.
- Select on Release - Allows direct access to communication without having to scan or use a keyguard for those users who can tap, but have difficulty keeping only one finger on the screen.
- Five New Text to Speech Voices - Genuine Australian children’s voices (Liam and Olivia) co-developed with Acapela Group, an Australian adult female (Lisa), an American English adult female (Karen) and one specialty voice (Old Man).
- Social Sharing Support - Share text from the Proloquo2Go message window using email, Facebook, SMS, and Twitter, and copy and paste text into other apps.
- Dropbox Support - For easy importing and exporting of Proloquo2Go backups.
- Over 25 more refinements and improvements.
“The enhancements included in Proloquo2Go 3.0, an already robust and versatile AAC app, are very impressive,” said Lauren Enders, MA, CCC-SLP. “The adaptive switch support and select on release features increase access to the app for those with motor impairments. ExpressivePower and social sharing will offer users expanded and more personalized communication.”
AssisitiveWare also announced, effective May 17, 2013, the Proloquo2Go price will change to $219.99 (US), $229.99 (AU), €199.99 (EU) and £149.99 (UK). The early notice provides a window of opportunity for prospective customers to still purchase at the lower price.
“With the inclusion of switch access support and the Select on Release feature, Proloquo2Go 3.0, will better serve individuals with physical access challenges and the innovative voice features will enable users to express themselves more naturally and with character,” said David Niemeijer, founder and CEO of AssistiveWare.
Proloquo2Go is available exclusively on the App Store in the Education category for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad or at http://appstore.com/proloquo2go. Proloquo2Go 3.0 is available as a free update to existing users and new voices can be downloaded from within the Proloquo2Go app free of charge.
To learn more about AssistiveWare and Proloquo2Go visit: http://www.assistiveware.com.
Origin Instruments Corporation Launches the Orby Switch and Swifty/Orby Bundles
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX, July 26, 2011 — Origin Instruments Corporation, a leading global provider of assistive technology, is pleased to announce the new Orby switch. The Orby switch is a colorful button-style adaptive switch and is the newest addition to the Origin Instruments family of adaptive switches and switch interfaces. Also announced today are bundles of the Orby switch with the popular Swifty USB switch interface. These bundles provide all-in-one solutions for single switch and dual switch access to devices and computers that have a USB interface.
The Orby switch features a smooth contoured design that is 2.5-inches in diameter and is less than one-inch tall. Users will enjoy reliable switch operation with clear audible and tactile feedback when the Orby switch is pressed anywhere on its top surface.
Orby provides an attractive access method for communication devices, computers, tablets, adapted toys, game controllers, environmental controls, and many other adapted devices. The Orby switch is:
- Colorful - Available in Cherry Red and Lemon Yellow
- Ergonomic - Audible and tactile feedback at each switch transition
- Sensitive - Activation requires only 3.5 ounces of pressure anywhere on the surface
- Adaptable - Threaded inserts support optional mounting at any angle
- Stable - A friction pad is included to cushion impacts and prevent sliding
- Durable - Designed for daily use and years of service
- Dependable - Origin Instruments quality, reliability, and support
- Affordable - Priced at $34.95 US
"We are pleased to deliver the new high quality Orby switch at a very attractive price," said Steve Bain, President of Origin Instruments. "The Orby switch extends our offerings with a broadly useful style of adaptive switch for many people with motor disabilities, and it nicely compliments our new PageBot for Kindle products."
The colorful Orby switch is priced at $34.95 US and is available for immediate delivery. The Swifty/Orby Bundles include a single switch bundle at $109.95 and a dual switch bundle that includes the Swifty Cable Kit at $159.95. Online orders can be placed today at: http://shop.orin.com.
Orby establishes a new benchmark as the attractive, rugged, and affordable button-style switch with reliable support from Origin Instruments.
For additional details, photos, and specifications, please visit the Origin Instruments website at http://www.orin.com/access/orby.
To request a product quotation, please email your request to support@orin.com.
Stay in touch for latest news and announcements
Origin Instruments Corporation
Grand Prairie, Texas, 75050 USA
Email: support@orin.com
Voice: 972-606-8740
FAX: 972-606-8741
HeadMouse is a registered trademark of Origin Instruments Corporation. PageBot, Swifty, Beam, Orby, Breeze, SofType, Dragger, and AirVoter are trademarks of Origin Instruments Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
