News

06/29/2007

PRESS RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Within the US Outside the US

Leanne Hartman Nathalie Leentvaar

PR Manager Marketing Communication Manager

pr@visioncue.com Optelec BV

(503) 297-1510x115 nle@optelec.nl

+31 88 6783 408

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Optelec and VisionCue introduce ALVA BC640at NFB and ACB 2007

PORTLAND, Oregon - June 29, 2007 - Today, Optelec and VisionCue announced the availability of the ALVA BC640 with Audio Feature Pack, a wireless and extremely versatile Braille controller that merges classic Braille display access with modern notetaking functionality.

Setting the standard in Braille communication

This ultra-slim, wireless 40-cell display provides unlimited access to mainstream devices. The smooth surface of the Braille line guarantees optimal reading comfort at work, at home, at school or while on the go. Ergonomically designed keys provide instant access and smart navigation to countless applications on the user’s smartphone, PDA, and PC. The BC640 offers the option of hosting any screenreader on-board, making the display both versatile and customizable.

ALVA BC640’s optional Braille Audio Feature Pack makes it more than just a Braille display. The ideally sized and well placed Braille keys give you the ability to comfortably write Braille while listening to high quality audio using your preferred speech synthesizer.

“Today’s users need simple and effective solutions to support their active lifestyle,” stated Stephan Terwolbeck, Director Sales and Marketing, Optelec Holding. “The innovative yet effective and straightforward design of the ALVA BC640 allows people to gain and process information whether at home or on the go.”

VisionCue and Optelec will be showcasing ALVA BC640 along with its entire array of product lines at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Conference in Atlanta, Georgia (June 30 – July 6, 2007) and at the American Council of the Blind (ACB) Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota (June 30 – July 7). For more information, please visit our websites www.visioncue.com and www.optelec.com.

About Optelec

“Improving the quality of life of visually impaired and dyslexic people - reaching out with simple and effective solutions.”

Optelec was founded in 1975 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 of video magnification systems provides a simple, modular, and effective solution for people with a visual impairment. The ALVA BC640 and EasyLink series provide Braille users with complete control of their cellular phone, PDA or laptop computer from a Braille display with Braille input keys. The user-friendly Compact+, Braille Voyager and ALVA Braille terminals guarantee users portable access for active participation in the mainstream, global information community.

Optelec has offices in the Netherlands, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium. A wide distribution network distributes Optelec’s product throughout Europe, North America, Middle East, Asia, South Africa and Australia.

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.

01/19/2006

Optelec And VisionCue Announce Strategic Alliance

Chelmsford, MA/Portland, OR, January 19, 2006 (PR Web) - Today, Optelec US Inc., a member of the Optelec Group, and VisionCue, an Oregon based provider of access technology for the blind and visually impaired jointly announced a strategic alliance whereby VisionCue would assume all primary distribution responsibilities for Optelec's ALVA product line throughout North America. In September, 2005, Optelec acquired the assets of ALVA BV., the industry's leading manufacturer of refreshable Braille technology.

"Such an alliance allows for Optelec to capitalize upon the rich history, exemplary reputation, and product quality synonymous with the ALVA name," stated Larry Lewis, President, Blindness Products Sales, Optelec US "We're delighted to be working with a fantastic ALVA champion, Larry Lake and the VisionCue team to enable us to grow the ALVA business in the U.S. as we work towards incorporating the current ALVA know-how into our evolving blindness products line."

VisionCue will be the primary reseller of the ALVA product line throughout North America and will play a leading role in managing and optimizing the current ALVA distribution model. VisionCue will also be distributing the entire Optelec Blindness products line throughout Oregon and Washington to compliment its National ALVA efforts. The Optelec US Blindness Products sales team will assist the VisionCue team in shoring up ALVA sales in a variety of capacities, thus creating a joint selling effort which will propel this product line to even greater heights.

VisionCue agrees that the new partnership with Optelec is a positive step for both companies. "We feel strongly that the best way to serve our resellers and end-users is to partner with the top manufacturers in the industry," said Larry Lake, president of VisionCue. "Optelec has proven its leadership with consistently innovative, high quality accessibility technology. Our agreement gives VisionCue the opportunity to expand our catalog to include Optelec's popular Braille and speech products and to tap the expertise of our colleagues at Optelec."

About Optelec
Based in Rockanje, The Netherlands, Optelec is a leading designer and manufacturer of life-changing technology for people who are visually impaired and blind. The Braille Voyager and Alva series of Braille terminals provide Braille users with complete control of their laptop or desktop computer from a selection of Braille displays which tout ingenuity, durability, and affordability. The user-friendly, wireless EasyLink Braille series guarantees portable cellular phone and PDA access for active participation within the mainstream, global information community.

(c) 2006 - VisionCue, LLC - This web site is maintained by VisionCue's webmaster. For more information about VisionCue, please contact VisionCue LLC, 4858-A S.W. Scholls Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97225. Phone 888 318-2582 and 503 297-1510. Fax 503 459-4003.