IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Mary Kay Walch: 651-294-2218 or mwalch@ablenetinc.com

 

AbleNet Products Chosen as SIIA's 23rd Annual CODiE Award Finalists in the Best Instructional Solution for Special Needs Students Category

Weekly Reader AbleNet Editions and MEville to WEville AbleNet Student Achievement Program selected as finalists in the Software & Information Industry Association's 23rd Annual CODiE Awards.

St. Paul, MN (PRWEB) March 18, 2008 - Minnesota-based AbleNet Inc. proudly announces Weekly Reader AbleNet Editions and MEville to WEville AbleNet Student Achievement Program have been selected as "Best Instructional Solution for Special Needs Students" finalists in the Software & Information Industry Association's 23rd Annual CODiE Awards competition.

In a recent announcement made by SIIA, AbleNet was informed that Weekly Reader AbleNet Editions, classroom publications adapted with picture symbols for students with moderate to severe disabilities, and MEville to WEville AbleNet Student Achievement Program, a research-based curriculum that incorporates a broad array of assistive technologies into each lesson and the only early literacy curriculum specifically developed for elementary students with moderate to severe physical and cognitive disabilities, had both been nominated for CODiE Awards.

Established in 1986, the CODiE Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and vision in the software, digital information and education technology industries.
Through a unique combination of journalist and peer review, the CODiE Awards recognize 68 categories of outstanding products and services. This year's 340 finalists represent an impressive array of technology and business excellence and success.

"We consider it an great honor for Weekly Reader AbleNet Editions and MEville to WEville AbleNet Student Achievement Program to have been chosen as CODiE Awards finalists in the 'Best Instructional Solution for Special Needs Students' category", said Jen Thalhuber, AbleNet CEO. "Over the past 23 years, CODiEs have been awarded to IBM, Microsoft, Adobe Systems, Intuit Corporation and many, many other prestigious firms. It is truly a privilege for AbleNet to be among this year's finalists," added Thalhuber.

Over 250 judges from the trade press, consulting, educators, IT specialists and other knowledgeable, but neutral, experts have reviewed all of the products entered. The finalists were chosen from more than 1,000 nominations submitted by more than 600 companies.

"Competition is tough this year and that makes selection as a CODiE Finalist a real achievement," said Ken Wash, SIIA president. "All the companies on this year's list should feel justifiably proud of their recognition."

The next step in the process brings the finalist products before the SIIA members for a vote to determine the winners in each category. The 2008 CODiE Awards will be presented at a gala event on May 20 at the historic Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

For a complete list of the 2008 CODiE Award finalists, visit www.siia.net/codies/2008/finalists.asp.

For more information about Weekly Reader AbleNet Editions and MEville to WEville AbleNet Student Achievement Program, visit www.ablenetinc.com.

About AbleNet

AbleNet offers a complete line of assistive technology products, including communication aids for non-verbal students, and access aids, such as switches and wheelchair mounting devices for students who require physical supports. The company is also recognized for developing research-based special education curricula that meet state and federal mandates. Located in Roseville, Minnesota, AbleNet is an ESOP company that sells its products through a network of distributors in more than 50 countries. AbleNet's products and programs have been used in tens of thousands of classrooms nationally for more than 20 years. For more information, visit http://www.ablenetinc.com/

About SIIA

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies.

For further information, visit www.siia.net.

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