VisionCue To Expand Optelec Product Line

For more information, contact:

Optelec US, Inc.
Stacy Henschel
Marketing Manager
stacyh@optelec.com
(800) 826-4200 x237
Fax (800) 368-4111

VisionCue
Leanne Hartman
pr@visioncue.com
(503) 297-1510 x115

Portland, Ore. and Vista, Cali.- VisionCue and Optelec today announced that they would extend their catalog of Braille products, reconfirming VisionCue’s strategic relationship with the leading assistive technology manufacturer. VisionCue, based in Portland, Oregon will remain the exclusive distributor of ALVA and Voyager products across North America.

“Once again Optelec’s reputation for high quality and smart product design is borne out in these exciting new products,” said Larry Lake, president of VisionCue. “Both products combine the classic ALVA look and feel with powerful features and unlimited access to mainstream technology. The ALVA BC640 and EasyLink12 recharge our blindness products line-up, giving end users some powerful new options in Braille technology. The feedback from our reseller network has been very positive.”

Focus of Portability and Versatility

The ALVA BC640 is the first of the new ALVA Braille Controller 6-Series. This sleek and slim console combines the popular ALVA refreshable 40-cell Braille display with wireless note-taking functionality. Features include:

• Built-in Bluetooth and high-speed USB port for access to mainstream devices such as laptops, smartphones, and PDA’s.
• Intuitive navigation with ALVA Smartpad technology that incorporates four buttons and a joystick for simultaneous use of multiple devices.
• Smooth-surface Braille array for optimal reading comfort.
• Integrated notepad for quick note taking and editing.
• Optional built-in screenreader provides PC access without installing software.
• Optional Braille Audio Feature Pack includes Braille input keys and high quality wireless stereo output.
• The Optelec EasyLink12 is a wireless Braille assistant for users who require the most portable technology. Weighing only nine ounces, EasyLink12 is compatible with all desktop and pocket screenreaders. The EasyLink12 includes a 12-cell refreshable
• Braille display as well as two navigation keys and a joystick to give users wireless access to PC’s, PDA’s, and smartphones. The EasyLink12 offers Bluetooth integration with mainstream devices in an ultra slim, ultra small device that fits easily in a purse, briefcase, or backpack. PocketWrite, the optional software suite for use with a PDA, integrates a text editor, document management, email synchronization with a PC, media player, appointment calendar and calculator.

The ALVA BC640, Braille Voyager, and EasyLink12 round out VisionCue’s current product portfolios by providing new assistive technology that is relevant to a wide variety of customers, from casual users to highly demanding professionals.

“VisionCue has proven to be an excellent strategic partner for us over the past two years,” said Takashi Yamashita, CEO Tieman U.S., Holding Company to Optelec U.S. and LowVision.com in Vista, California. “Sales of the ALVA product line continue to grow under VisionCue’s stewardship. We are confident that this extended product line will strengthen our alliance and offer new opportunities to our resellers whom VisionCue so competently supports.”

Product pricing and availability

The ALVA BC640 begins shipping in North America in March 2007 and lists for $4,795 USD. Combined with the Braille Audio Feature Pack it lists for $5,395 USD. The EasyLink12 is now available at a list price of $1,995 USD. Combined with the PocketWrite PDA software, it lists for $2,295 USD.

About VisionCue
VisionCue LLC was founded in 2004 in Portland, Oregon to offer premium-brand assistive technology products for the blind and visually impaired through a network of highly skilled resellers and product specialists. VisionCue is the exclusive distributor of ALVA Braille displays in North America and northwest regional distributor of Optelec video magnification devices. In addition, VisionCue carries a variety of technology products for the blind and visually impaired from Nuance, Code Factory, Dolphin, AI Squared, Duxbury, and Enabling Technologies. VisionCue also customizes systems and provides service on a wide variety of AT products at its Portland facility.

About Optelec
“Improving the quality of life of visually impaired and dyslexic people, reaching out with simple and effective solutions,” Optelec was founded in 1985 and is recognized as the worldwide market leader in providing innovative solutions for the blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled. The company's flagship ClearView+ line provides a simple, modular, and effective solution for people with a visual impairment.

In January 2007, Tieman U.S. Inc. Holding Company to Optelec U.S spun off Lowvision.com (formerly Lighthouse International Professional Products/ Mattingly International) as a sister company to Optelec U.S., providing the one-stop-shop for optical, non-optical, and daily living aids solutions to the Eye Care Professionals and consumers.

VisionCue can be reached toll-free at 888-318-ALVA (2582) or at AT.Info@visioncue.com.
Optelec can be reached toll free at 800-826-4200 ext 237 or at stacyh@optelec.com.

Click here to find out more about Optelec's Braille Access Solutions
Click here to find out more about Optelec
Click here to find out more about VisionCue