LANCASTER, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Words+, Inc., a leading provider of augmentative communication and assistive technology hardware and software for people with disabilities, announced today that it has launched EyePro™, a new product that allows a person to operate an augmentative communication system or computer by simply looking at the screen. Words+ is a wholly owned subsidiary ofSimulations Plus, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLP).
Jeff Dahlen, president of Words+, said: “Eyegaze technology has become an increasingly important input method for people using augmentative communication (Speech Generating Devices) and other assistive technologies, especially for those who are severely physically limited by progressive diseases such as ALS (‘Lou Gehrig’s disease’). Until now, we have only been able to provide limited eyegaze technology in special cases due to the prohibitive cost as a third party provider, and we couldn’t effectively market certain proprietary communication techniques we have developed. This negatively impacted our sales to people with ALS, as well as other sales opportunities. Having negotiated an appropriate confidential OEM distribution agreement, we are now able to provide our own eyegaze product and implement new Words+ proprietary communication techniques profitably at current market prices.”
Gaylon Ponder, national sales manager for Words+, added: “Introducing EyePro™ not only allows us to better meet the needs of the customers we serve, but it also significantly increases the size and effectiveness of our national sales force in two ways. First, we gain the full attention of our multiline dealers, who were previously spending a significant amount of their sales time representing an eyegaze product from a different manufacturer, and second, we add eyegaze to the product line of our sales employees and exclusive Words+ dealers. We are taking orders, and delivered two EyePro systems to Veterans with ALS during the first week of May.”
About Words+, Inc.
Words+ is a leading developer of hardware and software technologies for the disabled. Founded in 1981, Words+ has provided augmentative communication (speech output) and assistive technology devices for 29 years to thousands of people worldwide. Words+ is a nationwide Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance provider. World-famous theoretical astrophysicist Professor Stephen W. Hawking of the University of Cambridge in England has been using Words+ computer-based communication technology to prepare, publish, and present worldwide since 1985. Words+ is a wholly owned subsidiary of Simulations Plus, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLP).
About Simulations Plus, Inc.
Simulations Plus, Inc., is a premier developer of groundbreaking drug discovery and development simulation and modeling software, which is licensed to and used in the conduct of drug research by major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. The Company’s Words+, Inc., wholly owned subsidiary provides augmentative communication systems and other technologies for persons with disabilities. Simulations Plus, Inc., is headquartered in Southern California. For more information, visit our web site at www.simulations-plus.com
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 – With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual future results of the Company could differ significantly from those statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the market acceptance of EyePro and continued acceptance of the other products of the Company, the ability of the Company to maintain its competitive advantage, the general economics of the pharmaceutical and assistive technology industries, the ability of the Company to attract and retain sufficient scientific and technical staff to sustain its R&D and customer support functions, the continued high renewal rate for the Company’s software licenses, and a sustainable market. Further information on the Company’s risk factors is contained in the Company’s quarterly and annual reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.