AbleNet, Announces a New Academic Research Community

To expand on its longstanding commitment to intensive market research, AbleNet, created a new academic research community the ‘AbleNet Research Consortium’ (ARC). ARC is based online, and is designed to foster relationships with academic researchers interested in conducting objective external studies tied to AbleNet’s special education curricula, and assistive technologies for students with moderate to severe disabilities.

For over 2 decades, AbleNet, has conducted intensive market research to support the design, development and implementation of its innovative special education curricula and assistive technologies for students with moderate to severe cognitive and physical disabilities. Now, the company has broadened its scope of research by reaching out to the academic community through its newly created ARC.

The ARC was developed for the purpose of recruiting members of the academic community who are interested in applying rigorous, systematic, and objective research to the use and integration of AbleNet curricula and assistive technology products. The Consortium was also developed to support requirements set forth by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation, which calls for the use of scientifically based research as the foundation for many educational programs and classroom instruction. To assure the objectivity and validity of each research initiative, AbleNet is currently building an external consortium that will include academic and educational leaders who will serve as advisors to both the program and those applying for research grants within the program.

“Our objective with the ARC is to fully understand what works best and how to implement with complete fidelity,” said AbleNet Co-founder and CEO Emeritus, Cheryl Volkman. “We want AbleNet products and services to include evidence that helps teachers and districts use them to get the best possible results in student achievement,”

Spearheaded by Volkman, and staffed by the company’s research and development team, the ARC is actively seeking proposals for all types of independent academic research that fit within the company’s stated mission to enhance the lives of people with disabilitie. However, top priority will be given to proposals that focus on current AbleNet curricula and the subsequent integration of appropriate assistive technologies within the curriculum and in the classroom.

“The overarching goal of the ARC is to provide district administrators and special education teachers with scientifically based evidence that substantiates the efficacy of AbleNet products, services and curriculum,” added Volkman. “We are dedicated to helping educators make informed decisions about the programs, technologies and instructional techniques they choose for their students.”

Research stipends, curriculum and assistive technology supports are currently being offered to PhD and Masters level students as well as individual researchers. Public, charter and private schools and/or groups employed at 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations are also welcome when they are partnered with accredited researchers. Funding is available to any researcher or group associated with a United States or Canadian-based institution. Grant proposals will be evaluated, in addition to other criteria, on their potential to materially improve the lives of students with disabilities in the classroom environment. Grantees are expected to follow the guidelines that guarantee rigor, validity, confidentiality, etc., as set forth by their individual institutions.

To view the current request for proposals list or learn more about the ARC and its application process visit www.ablenetinc.com/arc. The first round of proposals will be reviewed starting January 1st, 2008.

About AbleNet
AbleNet, Inc., offers a complete line of assistive technology products, including communication aids for non-verbal students; access aids, such as switches and wheelchair mounting devices for students who require physical supports; and classroom tools that can be used by any individual student or during group activities. The company is also recognized for developing research-based special education curricula that meet state and federal mandates.

Located in Roseville, Minnesota, AbleNet Inc., is an ESOP company that employs 35 people and sells its products through a network of distributors in 49 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.