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CONTACT: Mary Kay Walch: 651-294-2218

 

AbleNet and Stealth Products Announce Joint Product Development Agreement

Minnesota-based AbleNet, Inc. today announced a joint product development agreement with Texas-based Stealth Products for the purpose of designing new assistive technology mounting systems for mobility products.

St. Paul, MN March 31, 2008 - AbleNet Inc., a world leader in the design, development and manufacturing of wheelchair and desktop mounting systems and mountable assistive technologies for persons with disabilities, has entered into a joint product development agreement with Stealth Products, a multinational design and manufacturing firm specializing in wheelchair aftermarket components, including positioning and support products, power chair tilt systems, alternative technologies, hardware and mounting systems and mobility products.

Since its inception, AbleNet has focused on designing wheelchair and desktop mountable assistive technologies that allow individuals with mild to severe physical and cognitive disabilities to participate in any environment - often in ways never thought possible. From simple, yet elegantly designed switches that provide access to virtually any battery operated or electronic device, to mid-tech augmentative communication products that enable non-verbal individuals to converse and communicate more naturally, AbleNet has led the way in the design and development of assistive technologies that enhance the quality of life for millions of people in classrooms, at home and in the community. The company was also the first to develop research-based curricula aligned with state standards and designed specifically for students with disabilities.

In more recent years, AbleNet has garnered a reputation for identifying breakthrough products and technologies developed by like-minded companies, and has paved the way for bringing many of them to a broader market under the AbleNet brand, including a new line of computer access tools.

Under the careful guidance of AbleNet CEO Jen Thalhuber, it is now common practice for the company to seek out collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with other well-established businesses. In 2007, for example, AbleNet introduced a new series of classroom publications uniquely adapted for students with disabilities, in partnership with Weekly Reader, one of the country's most respected publishers of materials for elementary and secondary schools.

"We are always looking for new opportunities to build partnerships that strengthen our ability and the ability of other companies to bring new and exciting products to persons with disabilities, which is precisely what led us to Stealth Products." said Jen Thalhuber. "Working collaboratively, Stealth Products and AbleNet will bring cutting-edge technologies to bear in the design and development of assistive technology mounting systems that will allow more people to access more of the world around them."

The newly announced joint product development agreement between AbleNet and Stealth Products is a "win-win" relationship on a number of levels. AbleNet is well established as a provider to school districts across the United States, and in more recent years has expanded its reach into 49 countries, often selling its assistive technologies, mounting systems and other products to schools and institutions by way of government funded programs. Stealth Products, on the other hand, has a stronghold in the durable medical equipment market, selling its world class pediatric and adult wheelchair aftermarket components to entities across the United States, Canada, and more than a dozen other countries across the world. Working cooperatively, the two companies expect to bring new mounting system technologies to a broader market in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible.

"Engineering new mounting systems for assistive technologies is just the beginning," said Gabriel Romero, Director of Sales and Marketing for Stealth Products. "The blending of talented people who are open to new ideas has the potential to lead us in directions we may not have identified working independently, and that's what collaboration is all about. Together Stealth Products and AbleNet have the potential to break new ground in product development, open new markets, and ultimately enhance the lives of more persons with disabilities."

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 70 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 Stealth Products

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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