AbleNet Inc. Announces the Acquisition of Tash International Inc.

With the Tash acquisition, AbleNet will offer one of the most comprehensive suites of assistive technology solutions available to the global disabilities market.

St. Paul, MN, USA, Richmond, VA, USA and Ajax, Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) April 15, 2008 -- AbleNet Incorporated, a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of assistive technologies for persons with disabilities, today announced the acquisition of Tash International, Inc., a world-class assistive technology solutions company with a stronghold in the areas of physical therapy, rehabilitation and daily living.

The acquisition, and subsequent addition of Tash products to AbleNet's already robust line of assistive technology solutions, extends AbleNet's reach in terms of offering more products, to more people, in more regions across the globe.

"Including Tash products in the AbleNet family of products is a win-win situation. Tash brings an outstanding combination of products that enhance our capacity to deliver the best and broadest assortment of assistive technology solutions to persons with disabilities by way of the educational, physical therapy, rehabilitation and daily living assistive technology markets," stated AbleNet CEO Jen Thalhuber.

For nearly three decades, AbleNet and Tash viewed themselves as friendly competitors, with both companies offering a unique assortment of simple switches for activating toys, appliances and electronics; augmentative and alternative communication aids; wheelchair mounting devices; environmental control devices; wheelchair and desktop mounting systems; and more recently, a variety of cutting edge computer access aids.

AbleNet secured its position as a preferred vendor of easy-tech solutions in the U.S. schools market early on, and has since become a well-known and well-respected international brand in both the educational and medical markets. For its part Tash has a very similar history with a decided edge in the physical therapy, rehabilitation and daily living marketplace. With Tash as a strong and supportive partner, AbleNet expects to advance its leadership position in the global disabilities market.

Commenting on the acquisition, Colin Wheeler, Owner and CEO of Tash International Inc., said, "I am delighted at the prospect of passing the baton to AbleNet. I firmly believe Tash International is in good hands and better positioned to create new opportunities, to open new markets and to serve more persons with disabilities."

About AbleNet:

AbleNet offers a complete line of assistive technology products, including communication aids for non-verbal students, and access aids, such as switches and wheelchair mounting devices for students who require physical supports. The company is also recognized for developing research-based special education curricula that meet state and federal mandates. Located in Roseville, Minnesota, AbleNet is an ESOP company that sells its products through a network of distributors in more than 50 countries. AbleNet's products and programs have been used in tens of thousands of classrooms nationally for more than 20 years. For more information, visit www.ablenetinc.com.

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