Assistive Technology, Inc. Introduces the Gemini Special Edition; Dedicated Communication Device Complies With All Medicare Coverage Guidelines for Speech-Generating Devices.Business/Technology Editors & Health/Medical Writers NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 4, 2001 Assistive Technology Hardware and software that help people who are physically impaired. Often called "accessibility options" when referring to enhancements for using the computer, the entire field of assistive technology is quite vast and even includes ramp and doorway construction in buildings to support , Inc. (ATI (ATI Technologies Inc., Markham Ontario, http://ati.amd.com) A leading manufacturer of graphics chips and display adapters. Founded in 1985 by K. Y. Ho, Benny Lau and Lee Lau, ATI chips and boards are widely used by OEMs. ) is proud to announce the launch of its latest dedicated Augmentative and Alternative Communication Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers "to an area of research, clinical, and educational practice. AAC involves attempts to study and when necessary compensate for temporary or permanent impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of (AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) An audio compression technology that is part of the MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 standards. AAC, especially MPEG-4 AAC, provides greater compression and better sound quality than MP3, which also came out of the MPEG standard. ) device: Gemini Special Edition (SE). Built in compliance with the new guidelines for Medicare coverage set forth by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Medicare and Medicaid U.S. government programs in effect since 1966. Medicare covers most people 65 or older and those with long-term disabilities. Part A, a hospital insurance plan, also pays for home health visits and hospice care. Services (formerly the Health Care Financing Administration Health Care Financing Administration, n.pr department in the U.S. agency of Health and Human Services responsible for the oversight of the Medicaid and Medicare benefit programs, including guidelines, payment, and coverage policies. ), Gemini SE is the most powerful, versatile and customizable Speech-Generating Device (SGD SGD In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Singapore Dollar. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. ) available today. Designing and manufacturing communication devices since 1995, ATI believes that the Gemini SE is an ideal solution for Medicare (and Medicaid) recipients, as well as users who require a dedicated device. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (www.cmms.gov or www.hcfa.gov), a federal government organization, administers and sets policy for Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Children's Health Definition Children's health encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. Insurance Program. The agency provides health insurance for more than 74 million Americans through its programs. "Assistive Technology developed the Gemini SE with newly established Medicare policies in mind and is confident that it is the most robust, accessible and cost-effective dedicated communication device available," said Jim Lewis Jim Lewis may be a short form of James Lewis, or may refer to:
The Gemini SE runs the popular communication software programs Speaking Dynamically Pro(TM) and Boardmaker(TM). The Gemini SE Kit also comes with a third communication program, chosen by the purchaser, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the skills of the user. Gemini SE users and the professionals who work with them can use these three software applications to build communication boards and allow for easy expression of thoughts, feelings and needs. At $6,914, the Gemini SE Kit includes all hardware, software and documentation needed to begin using the SGD immediately. The Gemini SE Kit includes the dedicated SGD, three pre-loaded communication software programs, accessory tools (microphone, keyboard, mouse and on-screen keyboard An on-screen keyboard, or virtual keyboard, is a graphical computer keyboard that enables people with physical disabilities to use a computer. If a person is not able to push the keys on an ordinary keyboard, he or she can push the keys on a virtual keyboard (picture) shown ), AC adapter, user's guide and one-year limited warranty Limited warranty A warranty with certain conditions and limitations on the parts covered, type of damage covered, and/or time period for which the agreement is good. . Additional accessories for the Gemini SE -- which may also be covered by Medicare insurance -- are available separately. Because the Gemini SE is built to its specifications, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of the unit and accompanying accessories when a claim is submitted and approved by the agency. Features of the unit include built-in high volume speakers providing clear recorded or synthesized speech. The Gemini SE is universally accessible through any access method, including mouse, keyboard, joystick, switch, or alternative pointer. The entire unit weighs just 6.6 pounds, making it highly portable and accessible for people with disabilities. In a clinical setting, the SE is ideal for Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists for evaluations, clinical assessments, conferences, presentations or client trials. ATI's Rental and Preview Programs allow professionals to make decisions about the device's compatibility with a client's needs. Visit www.assistivetech.com/s-rentals.htm to learn more about the benefits of the program and to download all of the forms necessary to participate. The Gemini SE can be purchased through a local ATI Authorized Dealer or ATI Regional Sales Consultant. Visit www.assistivetech.com/s-dealers.htm for a complete dealer listing. About Assistive Technology, Inc. Founded in 1995, ATI seeks to develop innovative hardware and software solutions to enhance the opportunities and quality of life of people with disabilities. Its products are based on more than 20 years of work pioneered at Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Assistive Technology's hardware and software innovations include the following: --Gemini -- full-featured AAC device with the most power and flexibility available on the market today --Gemini SE -- dedicated speech generating device that conforms to Medicare guidelines --LINK(TM) -- a high-quality speaking keyboard with DECtalk(TM) speech output for use in any of three ways: independently, with a telephone or with a computer --Stages -- software solutions that help teachers, clinicians and parents define a user's cognitive and language skills and identify potential skill improvement programs --EvaluWare(TM) -- evaluation software that helps identify the best computer access methods and ideal AAC setups for users For more information or to place an order, please visit www.assistivetech.com or call (800) 793-9227. (c)2001. The ATI logo, LINK, Freestyle and EvaluWare are trademarks of Assistive Technology, Inc. Speaking Dynamically Pro and Boardmaker are trademarks of Mayer Johnson, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective companies. |
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