AbleNet to market Possum's ECU products in North America

AbleNet announces a new partnership with the British company Possum Limited, to market and sell their product line in Environmental Control Units (ECU) to the North American market. Possum Limited is an independent, privately owned British company, which develops, manufactures, supplies, installs and supports electronic assistive technology products and systems. AbleNet will begin marketing the Possum products in January 2010.

“We are delighted to partner with Possum who is a leader in the United Kingdom in developing home automation and communications systems for individuals with disabilities.”

“AbleNet will now have a complete range of environmental control products ranging from the less complex technology solutions to the very sophisticated solutions, all with features and price points that fit the unique requirements of each person,” said Jen Thalhuber, CEO of AbleNet Inc. “We are delighted to partner with Possum who is a leader in the United Kingdom in developing home automation and communications systems for individuals with disabilities.”

Possum won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category for their Electronic Assistive Technology products. Recognized for its innovative technology, Possum designs, manufactures and installs electronic devices which work together to enable individuals with disabilities or elderly users to control their immediate environment. “We are excited to partner with AbleNet to make our technology solutions available to customers in North America,” said Philip Robinson, Managing Director of Possum Limited.

The primary Possum products to be marketed in North America include the following:

Sero! is a telephone providing a loud speaker capability, remote control of the telephone and an answering machine with communication aid functions. The Sero! has 50 recordable phrases (each 60 seconds long) allowing people with partial or no voice to communicate crucial messages over the telephone.

Primo! is an easy to use, affordable device providing remote control of the immediate environment to give independence and reassurance for users and caregivers. Primo! can be used as a simple system providing a limited number of functions or can be configured to control a comprehensive environmental control system, incorporating remote control telephones, intercoms and pc’s as well as many other devices.

Primo’s! functionality also enables PC access to the internet, email, electronic media and desktop applications. Every Primo! system is tailored to meet the exact needs of each individual and can be readapted as users’ needs change.

Jive! is a handheld communication aid offering a wide range of symbol and text communication, uses the incredibly clear Acapela voice synthesizer and introduces full infrared environmental control for the first time in an AAC device of this size. The device is fully programmable onboard or with the included software. With its modern contemporary look and feel, the Jive! offers a complete lifestyle solution.

Chin Switch is an innovative access tool that allows individuals with severe physical limitations to control the above devices by simply moving their chin. This switch uses a comfortable necklace design to position one, or several switches as-needed.