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PRC-Saltillo Acquires Ner Chat: A Major Step Forward in Communication Support

In a transformative move, PRC-Saltillo, a frontrunner in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), has acquired Ner Chat, the innovative creator of the Glint platform. This acquisition is set to significantly enhance the resources available for educators and clinicians focused on supporting effective communication for individuals with complex needs.

A Synergy of Expertise

Founded in 1966, PRC-Saltillo has established itself as a leader in the AAC industry. With a rich history of providing cutting-edge communication solutions, the company's mission aligns seamlessly with that of Ner Chat. Since its inception in 2024, Ner Chat has worked tirelessly to streamline the process of creating visual supports for educational settings, transforming what would normally take hours into mere seconds of preparation time.

By joining forces, these two organizations aim to simplify the communication support landscape, making it more accessible and easier to implement for both educators and the students who rely on this critical technology every day.

Integrating Minspeak Symbols into Glint

As part of their initial collaboration, PRC-Saltillo and Ner Chat plan to incorporate the well-known Minspeak symbols into the Glint platform. These symbols are widely used in popular AAC applications such as LAMP Words for Life and Unity, and by integrating them into Glint, educators will be able to create visual supports that align more closely with the tools their students already utilize.

This integration will allow teams supporting children with Minspeak-based AAC systems to create visual aids like classroom activity boards, visual schedules, and choice-making materials more easily. This not only enhances the learning experience but also frees up educators' time for direct support of communication.

Glint’s Revolutionary Platform

The Glint platform is designed to empower educators, therapists, and support staff by providing them with a fast, user-friendly method to craft personalized visual aids from simple text prompts. As a result, tasks that previously consumed hours of preparation can now be completed in mere moments. This efficiency allows educators to focus on their primary goal: supporting their learners’ communication needs effectively.

Dylan Makani, CEO and co-founder of Ner Chat, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We built Glint to help educators and therapists turn their ideas into visuals without spending hours preparing materials. Working with PRC-Saltillo brings deep AAC experience to that goal.” This partnership is framed around creating added value and efficacy in communication support for educators across various school environments.

Looking Ahead

As PRC-Saltillo proudly marks its 60th anniversary, it remains committed to innovation in communication solutions. CEO Sarah Wilds emphasized the importance of listening to the needs of AAC users, their families, and their support teams, stating, “We want to make it easier to create useful materials with the symbols a child already knows and spend more time supporting communication.”

The companies plan to showcase a beta version featuring the Minspeak symbols at the forthcoming Closing The Gap Conference. This represents a significant milestone in their collaborative journey, establishing a foundation for future innovations targeting accessibility and efficiency in communication support.

While Ner Chat will continue to operate under its brand identity, the integration of these two organizations heralds a new age in AAC technology where the familiar merges with the innovative. As they work together to enhance communication dynamics, the ultimate goal remains the same: to foster an environment where children can communicate freely and engage fully in their educational experiences.

As PRC-Saltillo and Ner Chat join forces, the future looks promising for communication solutions that empower learners, clinicians, and educators alike, enhancing the overall educational landscape.