Chelmsford, MA - Two companies who love Braille announced today an innovative collaboration that presents a gift, just in time for the holidays, to participating customers. National Braille Press of Boston, and Optelec USA in Chelmsford, Mass., have one significant principle in common: The conviction that Braille literacy is the key to empowerment for blind children and adults.
National Braille Press, who produced 15 million Braille pages for children and adults last year, is a recognized leader in the production of bestselling Braille publications. Optelec USA's Blindness Products Division is committed to a line of products that facilitate Braille writing, reading, and the manipulation of written information for everyone from the blind preschooler to the blind CEO. With products like the Mountbatten Brailler, Braille Voyager, Supernova, Mobile Speak, and more, Optelec provides technology that puts the Braille writer and reader on a level playing field with sighted classmates and colleagues.
For a limited two-month period, Optelec is sponsoring a page on the NBP web site http://www.nbp.org. Those visiting the page can learn some fun facts about Braille and Braille users, and maybe meet some engaging children. Best of all, site visitors can learn how to take advantage of a special offer just in time for the holidays. Following the information provided, visitors can move to the Optelec site, receive a 10 percent discount on any of the Optelec Braille, speech or low vision products listed, and in the spirit of the season, see Optelec donate that same dollar amount to the National Braille Press.
"We're delighted to welcome Optelec into the world of Braille technology," commented Diane Croft, NBP's Vice President for Marketing and Publications. "And they sure have hired some dynamite people!"
From now until January 31, 2005, NBP customers will have a chance to meet Optelec, and if they happen to purchase any of the applicable Optelec products, will be generating a donation to National Braille Press.
Larry Lewis, vice president of Optelec's blindness products division said about the effort: "We're most pleased to be partnering with an organization such as National Braille Press which, through the traditional means of paper Braille, personifies Optelec's commitment to bring the printed word to the fingertips of children who are blind. Optelec's 21st century approach to refreshable Braille access by providing seamless access to mainstream devices and applications undergirds the stellar Braille literacy efforts exemplified by National Braille Press."
Optelec U.S., Inc.
Optelec, a member of the Tieman Group, is the U.S. market leader for products that allow individuals with impaired vision, including macular degeneration, to perform many of their normal activities and to remain independent. The company's premier product lines, the ClearView video magnifier and the Voyager Braille display, combine outstanding optical technology with ease of use and have received broad endorsement from users and eye care professionals. Optelec, headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts, continually develops new products for individuals with impaired vision. The company's products are available exclusively through authorized dealers and licensed eye care professionals. For more information, call 1-800-826-4200 or visit the Optelec web site at www.optelec.com.