Perkins School for the Blind to Acquire Adaptive Technology Consulting
Perkins School for the Blind announced today its intention to acquire the assets of Adaptive Technology Consulting, Inc. (ATC) of Salisbury, MA. ATC is a privately-owned company whose high-technology adaptive devices, training and consulting services bring greater independence to individuals who are blind, visually impaired or have learning disabilities. Perkins President Steven M. Rothstein says, "For 179 years, Perkins has been on a mission to enhance the ability of people with impaired vision to succeed. That goal is shared by Gayle Yarnall and her highly-qualified team at Adaptive Technology Consulting. By combining their products, technologies and expertise with what we have built here at Perkins, we take a huge step into the future. Students on campus, clients in the community and people around the world will benefit."
"Our knowledgeable staff will join the operations of Perkins Products/Howe Press," said Gayle Yarnall, President and Founder of Adaptive Technology Consulting. "I am thrilled to join forces with Perkins School for the Blind. Together we will offer our unmatched customer support, training and evaluations to a wider audience."
Perkins Products/Howe Press is the division of Perkins School for the Blind that manufactures and distributes the Perkins Brailler®, Perkins Panda Early Literacy Kit®, and other mission-related products. The products and services of Adaptive Technology Consulting will be absorbed into the non-profit Perkins organization.
"This is an exciting opportunity for Perkins Products to increase our service to individuals in the United States and around the world," said David Morgan, the General Manager of this Perkins division. "Good business practices and viable products are as highly valued in the non-profit world as in the commercial realm."
Rothstein anticipates the transition will be completed, contingent on appropriate due diligence, during the next few weeks. The move will have numerous positive effects for people with impaired sight seeking services and products:
- Greater selection of high-tech adaptive devices from a single, well-known source.
- Expansion of critical adaptive technology services for on-campus and off-campus Perkins students and clients
- Access to many more products worldwide via the internet at www.perkins.org
- Wider adaptive technology service offerings for students and adults across New England
- A broader array of assistive devices and consulting services for clients of Perkins Low Vision Clinic and 55+ Outreach services
- Growth in the technological expertise of Perkins staff and the teachers who come to Perkins for professional development
"We have been looking for a way to dramatically increase our technological expertise and offer a greater variety of adaptive devices to better educate students and to enhance lifestyle for all," says Rothstein. "Adding hundreds of products that help to increase independence and self-esteem, plus embracing ATC personnel and their experience is a golden opportunity."
The Adaptive Technology Consulting website can be found at http://adaptivetech.net/.
For more information, contact Marilyn Rea Beyer @ 617-972-7478.