Dear Member of the SpeechEasy Community:

Welcome to the sixth edition of the SpeechEasy newsletter, our first issue dedicated to providing information about funding the purchase of a SpeechEasy device.  Our intention is to provide a comprehensive overview of funding options so that individuals can carefully review the information, identify any key issues that may be relevant to them, and make an empowered decision for purchase that is based on the best available option.   

But first, we want to briefly update you on the availability of SpeechEasy worldwide.

As a result of our newly structured strategic partnerships now in place, SpeechEasy has expanded international availability to include the Netherlands and the UK, Norway, parts of Scandinavia, Sweden, Demark, Spain (Madrid), Portugal and Korea.  In the next month, we will expand our partnerships even further, making SpeechEasy available in the rest of the EU, including other parts of Spain and the rest of Scandinavia.  And in the coming month, we will announce the completion of distributor contracts in South America, Asia and the Pacific Rim, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Secondly, for individuals living in the United States, we are pleased to report Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs in 46 states are now recognizing the SpeechEasy device as a legitimate expense.  (To date, Texas, New York, Alaska and Iowa are still in question, but should still be pursued.)
 
 As a result, VR state-sponsored programs are now allowing qualified individuals who are seeking fluency in order to gain employment to obtain a device at no cost (nominal testing costs still apply).  To find more information on state VR programs in your area, go to http://www.jan.wvu.edu/SBSES/VOCREHAB.HTM.

We consider recognition by VR programs excellent progress.  However, for individuals who may not qualify for the device under these guidelines, or who may want to obtain their device more quickly, there are other options.

Until now, the choices for funding the purchase of a device were somewhat limited; however, this is quickly changing. Janus is pleased to announce the launch of the SpeechEasy leasing program which allows us to offer credit directly to our clients.

By offering this program we can ensure that members of our SpeechEasy community receive faster and better service -- often completing the credit approval process in as little as 15 minutes.  Moreover, we can offer individuals smaller payments over time, often as little as $86 a month.  For more information and to learn about all the added benefits of leasing a SpeechEasy, see the funding article further in this issue.
 
We are still honoring financing through HELPcard® and CareCredit, as well as continuing our progress in obtaining insurance reimbursement by working with Healthcare Reimbursement Solutions, Inc. (HRSI).

Insurance reimbursement is a longer-term process.  However at Janus, it is one of our top priorities.  Once SpeechEasy is deemed a reimbursable medical device, and we are successful at developing positions and codes with medical payors and insurance companies, generations of individuals will be able to benefit from its use, making the SpeechEasy device accessible to almost anyone whose insurance company recognizes their validity to seek fluency.  Persistence will pay off.

Progress is still slow but steady in the creation of our non-profit foundation, which will help us distribute rehabilitated, donated and refurbished devices.  Because the foundation requires special people and skills, we are carefully selecting the appropriate elements that will serve the SpeechEasy community for years to come.  We encourage anyone with non-profit experience, or anyone with interest in foundation work who also have a passion for fluency and the SpeechEasy community, to contact us.

Our top-notch Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) network is continuing to expand this spring with about 30 new SLPs coming onboard, many of whom are ASHA Board Recognized Fluency Specialists. More SLPs mean more availability for help with the fit and function of the SpeechEasy device, as well as support for enhancing fluency. We greatly value our SLP relationships, and look forward to working with our expanded network of experts.

Our improved packaging and redesigned care manuals are completed and on our website – for more information, go to http://www.speecheasy.com/service_manual.html.

Technology updates and plans for upgrades are always ongoing at Janus. In late spring / early summer we will have some exciting news, so stay tuned to our website – which is a dynamic document that is always changing, and is a great resource for ongoing projects. However, if you don’t find what you are looking for on the website we encourage you to contact us directly at 866-551-9042.  No question is too great or small.

It’s that time of year when we have the great pleasure of announcing the winner of our Sean Anderson Memorial Scholarship.  But we’re not going to spill the beans up front -- keep reading to find out the name of this year’s winner!

We are always open to hearing your thoughts, questions and concerns.  We look forward to learning more about what’s on your mind, and how we might improve our support and access to help you increase fluency.  We encourage you to call, or drop us a line directly from our website at http://www.speecheasy.com/testimonials_story.php.

We thank you for your continued support, and look forward to great opportunities continuing to emerge throughout 2007.

Let’s Talk!

Sincerely,

Alan Newton,
President, Janus Development Group