- The DynaVox EyeMax speech communication solution was highlighted as a tool to help individuals in similar situations break free from the silence and isolation -

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT: Rom Houbens, a Belgian man thought to have been in coma for 23 years following an auto accident, was actually fully conscious and awake during that time and was the subject of a Good Morning America segment. The DynaVox EyeMax was featured in the segment to illustrate how people with Locked-in Syndrome and other conditions can unlock communication.

WHEN: Good Morning America -- Tuesday, November 24 available online at www.dynavoxtech.com

WHO: Rom Houbens was an engineering student in 1986 when he was paralyzed in an auto accident. It was thought that this accident put him in a vegetative state for the past 23 years. However, during this time, he was fully awake and conscious. When brain scans were performed using technology not available in the 1980s, the scans revealed normal brain function. Mr. Houbens' road to recovery began, and an alphabet board allowed him to communicate for the first time since the accident.

WHY: It is believed that 40% of patients in a vegetative state in reality are at least minimally conscious and may be able to communicate if given the proper tools. The DynaVox EyeMax is a tool that can help these individuals use their eyes to communicate and exercise control over their daily lives.

About DynaVox Mayer-Johnson

DynaVox Mayer-Johnson develops a range of speech communication and education solutions designed to help children and adults challenged by significant speech, language and learning disabilities make meaningful connections and participate in the home, classroom and the community. The company's DynaVox line of speech communication devices gives a voice to the millions of people who are unable to use speech as their primary means of communication due to the effects of conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease), stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's Disease, autism and intellectual disabilities. The Mayer-Johnson line of print-based and on-screen education products engage students in the learning process and support academic achievement. Driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture, the company develops technology-based products and offers an extensive customer support program to assist individuals as well as their families and support professionals. For more information about DynaVox Mayer-Johnson, visit www.dynavoxtech.com.

SOURCE DynaVox Mayer-Johnson

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