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Hello Navi, The App That Helps Blind Middle School Students, Has Been Acquired by Visus Technology
[August 13, 2015]

Hello Navi, The App That Helps Blind Middle School Students, Has Been Acquired by Visus Technology


BOSTON, Aug. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Visus Technology, Inc. ("Visus" or "VisusTech") has acquired and begun expansion of Hello Navi®, an app developed by six middle school girls from Los Fresnos, Texas to help their blind friend navigate their school campus, so he can find his classes. New capabilities of the Hello Navi® app will empower blind students with the ability to independently navigate throughout school campuses across the country. The Hello Navi® product fits extremely well within the mission and assets of Visus and is closely aligned with the VelaSense® accessibility platform, which assists the visually impaired and elderly with common smartphone functions such as calls, texts and more.

Hello Navi - An App to Help Blind Students by Middle Schoolers Who Won the 2014 Verizon Innovative App Challenge - has been acquired by Visus Technology

Navigating school campuses is daunting enough for a new student, but it is a major barrier to the education and advancement of the blind and visually impaired.



Dr. Stephen J. McCormack, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Visus, said, "Last year, six young ladies at Resaca Middle School in Los Fresnos, Texas, came up with a life-changing idea to help their blind friend that we would like to further develop and implement across every school in our nation. These young entrepreneurs were recognized by the Verizon Foundation and the Technology Students Association for this inspired concept to help a fellow student where they won $20,000 for their school and tablets for each of them. Their idea also earned them an opportunity to meet President Obama and Bill Nye, the Science Guy."

"Kudos to these incredible young ladies who conceived of an idea that not only has helped their friend, but will help millions around the world. They embody the spirit of the Verizon Innovative App Challenge--a contest that inspires entrepreneurship and collaboration, tackles some big problems in the world, and delivers on the promise of a brighter future for so many," said Rose Stuckey Kirk, Verizon's Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer. "I'm elated to see these young ladies' legacy expand, thanks to Visus."


The capabilities of Hello Navi®  will further broaden and complement a diverse suite of applications that will integrate wearable technology into mobile health products. Dr. McCormack added, "In essence, Hello Navi® could be the fulcrum to drive the next level of accessibility across education, equal opportunity and workforce development."

About Visus

Visus provides life changing solutions of mobility, communication, and social networking software for the visually impaired and elderly markets. The word visus means the "power of sight" and the company is changing lives by enabling the blind, visually impaired and elderly. Visus Technology is a Verizon partner through the Verizon Innovation Program and part of the Verizon Powerful Answers Healthcare Solutions. For more info visit http://www.visustech.com

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To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hello-navi--an-app-to-help-blind-students-by-middle-schoolers-who-won-the-2014-verizon-innovative-app-challenge--has-been-acquired-by-visus-technology-300127748.html

SOURCE Visus Technology, Inc.


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