IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Mark Stefan: 952-278-3109 or cell 763-443-8240

ABLENET PLAYS MAJOR ROLE IN PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY ACCESS TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN STATE-OF-THE-ART MULTIMEDIA CENTER IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (March 23, 2007) - Minnesota's own AbleNet, Inc., a leading-edge company that creates assistive technology products for students with disabilities, will be among the companies recognized for their contribution to a Universal Design for Learning Multimedia Center at the P811K Connie Lekas School in Brooklyn, New York. William Strein, Principal of P811K, will host the Grand Opening on March 29, 2007, at 2525 Haring Street, Brooklyn, New York. The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by lunch and tours.

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Multimedia Center is the first of its kind in New York State and possibly the first of its kind in the entire country. It will provide students with multiple disabilities access to technology that will enrich their quality of life, enhance their academic performance and help them develop job skills.

The P811K School services children who are 12 to 21 years old with severe multiple disabilities. Students are involved in a functional life skills curriculum, combined with a communication curriculum. The school offers a bilingual Spanish class, an English as a Second Language (ESL) program and a work-study program in which students are accompanied by a staff member to a specific work site on a regular schedule. The school also manages several student ventures in which the students gain relevant skills.

"We are honored and proud to be involved in this innovative design center and to have worked with so many passionate individuals who made this dream come true" announced Cheryl Volkman, CEO of AbleNet, Inc. "This is an incredible opportunity for students with disabilities to participate to their fullest potential and an example of what is possible to create on a national and global scale."

Among the many special guests attending this event will be representatives of the New York City Department of Education, educators, local government officials and representatives from companies whose equipment was used in the design of the center. Individuals looking to reproduce this concept in their local school communities will also be attending.

The multimedia center was funded through the generosity of Councilman Michael C. Nelson and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. The initial concept was the brainchild of Marcia Cacaci, Technology Coordinator for P811K. Stella Porto, Assistive Technology Specialist for the District 75 New York City Department of Education, was the driving force behind the project, connecting companies to bring the right mix of products and services to create a universally designed environment. For more information, please contact William Strein at 718-769-6984 or via e-mail at Wstrein@schools.nyc.gov.

AbleNet's role included:

• Consultation regarding assistive technology and UDL use and technology implementation for a wide range of student abilities. AbleNet's assistive technologies provide access to a variety learning environments throughout the lab for students whose disabilities previously limited their active engagement. The universal application of these technologies across all content areas is intended to motivate all students to be actively engaged in learning experiences.
• Assistance with UDL blueprints using auto-cad drawings and placement of AbleNet technology throughout the library.
• Consultation on 21st-century learning, content and context as it relates to AbleNet technologies and students with varied or unique learning needs that allow them to demonstrate their capabilities.
• Incorporating Star Reporter curriculum to be utilized by students in the UDL Media Lab and Library, allowing students of varied abilities to research, write, produce and distribute a school newspaper.

About Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices that promote greater independence for people with disabilities. Universal accessibility, or universal design, is an example of comprehensive assistive technology that translates into excellent usability for all people. A prime example are the rampways that are cut into curbs, allowing easy access onto sidewalks for people in wheelchairs as well as parents with strollers and travellers using wheeled suitcases.

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 www.ablenetinc.com.

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