TORONTO, Monday, February 29, 2016 — Tecla, the assistive device that provides hands-free access to technology for those with limited upper-body mobility, is about to get a whole lot more accessible for Bell customers.
In a new partnership announced today, Tecla has joined Bell’s expanded portfolio of products and services aimed at customers with disabilities. With Tecla, Bell customers can easily access their iOS or Android smartphone or tablet using familiar assistive switches such as buttons, sip-and-puff controllers, head arrays, joysticks or the wheelchair’s driving controls.
“As a Canadian company, we’re proud to partner with Bell and provide Tecla’s hands-free technology to their customers who otherwise are unable to physically use smartphones or tablets,” said Mauricio Meza, CEO of Komodo OpenLab, the maker behind Tecla. “We look forward to giving Bell customers access to the independence that comes along with having access to the latest mobile technology.”
As a special offer for Bell customers with motor disabilities, Tecla Kits will be available at a reduced price of $200 CAD, with Bell subsidizing the remaining portion of the cost. The Tecla Kit includes one Tecla Shield, the assistive device that communicates wirelessly between the smart device and the assistive switch, as well as a Tecla DOS Mount. The Mount can be used to secure the Tecla Shield to a bed, wheelchair or desk for hassle-free installation, mounting and re-charging of the Tecla Shield.
“Canada is home to some of the world’s most powerful wireless networks, yet many Canadians encounter barriers that may stop them from enjoying the opportunities that mobile technology makes possible. By including Tecla in our product portfolio at a reduced price, Bell is proud to make mobile technology more accessible to everyone,” said Blaik Kirby, President of Bell Mobility.
Tecla has been on the market for five years and currently helps over 2,000 people around the world. Working with beta testers was key to Tecla’s global success. One beta tester, Toronto-native Carolyn Pioro, who suffered a devastating fall over ten years ago and now lives with quadriplegia, helped shape the product to what it is today. As a writer, she credits much of her ability to independently communicate via technology to Tecla.
For more information, please visit Bell.ca/Accessibility.
For the full Press Release from Komodo, click here
For the full Press Release from Bell, click here
About Tecla
The Tecla Shield is an assistive device that gives people with upper-body mobility impairments the ability to fully access smart devices and technology –– at a fraction of the cost of traditional assistive devices. Tecla is designed and manufactured in Toronto, Canada by Komodo OpenLab.
Komodo OpenLab is a certified B Corporation. This means it uses the power of business to solve a social problem. Certified B Corporations meet higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. B Corporations are important because they inspire all businesses to not only be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world. For more information, visit www.gettecla.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Elise Darmanin, Marketing & Communications
Komodo OpenLab
info@gettecla.com