Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) software, The Social Express®, Touches Down in Africa

Brighten Learning, Inc. (USA) partners with Prognari to teach Social Emotional Intelligence Skills across Africa

SAN DIEGO, United States of America, August 5, 2016/APO/ —

  • Brighten Learning, Inc. (USA) partners with Prognari to teach Social Emotional Intelligence Skills across Africa
  • Collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills will help African students succeed in a quickly changing digital economy

Brighten Learning, Inc. (TheSocialExpress.com), developers of the Award winning programme, “The Social Express® today announced its partnership with Prognari (Prognari.com), an Africa-focused education value-add organization that seeks to develop social, emotional intelligence capabilities and life skills in children and young adults. This strategic partnership supports both companies’ objective of equipping the 21st century African child with the skills required to be successful in school and life.

The Social Express® is an animated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) software designed to teach children and young adults how to think about and manage social interaction situations. It helps them develop meaningful social relationships and ultimately succeed in life.

Marc Zimmerman, CEO of Brighten Learning, Inc. while commenting on the partnership, said:

“We are excited to bring The Social Express to the African market. Through user testimonials, we have seen positive results in over 70 countries. Prognari will bring the knowledge, reach and expertise that we wanted in a strategic partner for Africa.”

Collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills will help African students succeed in a quickly changing digital economy

The World Economic Forum, in its March 2016 report titled, ‘New Vision for Education: Fostering Social and Emotional Learning through Technology,’ noted that “In order to thrive in the 21st century, students need more than traditional academic learning. They must be adept at collaboration, communication and problem-solving, which are some of the skills developed through SEL. Coupled with mastery of traditional skills, social and emotional proficiency will equip students to succeed in the swiftly evolving digital economy”.

Emmanuel Udoro, the Corporate Communications Director at Prognari said:

“Our overriding vision at Prognari, has always been to proactively equip African children and young adults for life in the 21st Century and beyond through experiential and targeted learning. Our partnership with Brighten Learning, Inc. moves us closer to achieving our objective and will see us taking The Social Express to the length and breadth of the African continent. The Social Express® is a digital and innovative learning program that aligns with the trend shifts in our digital world.”

The Social Express® (TheSocialExpressAfrica.com), which is accessed via the internet on mobile devices (currently available only on iPads) and desktop platforms, runs a series of interactive web episodes (webisodes) and mobile apps that can be used by the learner independently, or with a teacher in a group.

To see a preview of The Social Express® programme, click here. (bit.ly/2aUkycc)

In addition to equipping children with SEL abilities, Prognari is working with Brighten Learning to reduce the incidence of bullying in schools through the Cool School (bit.ly/2aUknxB) programme. Cool School is an interactive and animated anti-bullying programme designed for elementary school learners; Cool School’s six week curriculum has been designed to teach young students about bullying through interactive videos and offline activities. The program also addresses bystander behavior and how it can contribute to and increase bullying within the school environment.

To see a preview of the Cool School programme, click here. (bit.ly/2aUknxB)

Distributed by APO on behalf of Prognari.

The Social Express

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Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) software, The Social Express®, Touches Down in Africa

Brighten Learning, Inc. (USA) partners with Prognari to teach Social Emotional Intelligence Skills across Africa

SAN DIEGO, United States of America, August 5, 2016/APO/ —

  • Brighten Learning, Inc. (USA) partners with Prognari to teach Social Emotional Intelligence Skills across Africa
  • Collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills will help African students succeed in a quickly changing digital economy

Brighten Learning, Inc. (TheSocialExpress.com), developers of the Award winning programme, “The Social Express® today announced its partnership with Prognari (Prognari.com), an Africa-focused education value-add organization that seeks to develop social, emotional intelligence capabilities and life skills in children and young adults. This strategic partnership supports both companies’ objective of equipping the 21st century African child with the skills required to be successful in school and life.

The Social Express® is an animated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) software designed to teach children and young adults how to think about and manage social interaction situations. It helps them develop meaningful social relationships and ultimately succeed in life.

Marc Zimmerman, CEO of Brighten Learning, Inc. while commenting on the partnership, said:

“We are excited to bring The Social Express to the African market. Through user testimonials, we have seen positive results in over 70 countries. Prognari will bring the knowledge, reach and expertise that we wanted in a strategic partner for Africa.”

Collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills will help African students succeed in a quickly changing digital economy

The World Economic Forum, in its March 2016 report titled, ‘New Vision for Education: Fostering Social and Emotional Learning through Technology,’ noted that “In order to thrive in the 21st century, students need more than traditional academic learning. They must be adept at collaboration, communication and problem-solving, which are some of the skills developed through SEL. Coupled with mastery of traditional skills, social and emotional proficiency will equip students to succeed in the swiftly evolving digital economy”.

Emmanuel Udoro, the Corporate Communications Director at Prognari said:

“Our overriding vision at Prognari, has always been to proactively equip African children and young adults for life in the 21st Century and beyond through experiential and targeted learning. Our partnership with Brighten Learning, Inc. moves us closer to achieving our objective and will see us taking The Social Express to the length and breadth of the African continent. The Social Express® is a digital and innovative learning program that aligns with the trend shifts in our digital world.”

The Social Express® (TheSocialExpressAfrica.com), which is accessed via the internet on mobile devices (currently available only on iPads) and desktop platforms, runs a series of interactive web episodes (webisodes) and mobile apps that can be used by the learner independently, or with a teacher in a group.

To see a preview of The Social Express® programme, click here. (bit.ly/2aUkycc)

In addition to equipping children with SEL abilities, Prognari is working with Brighten Learning to reduce the incidence of bullying in schools through the Cool School (bit.ly/2aUknxB) programme. Cool School is an interactive and animated anti-bullying programme designed for elementary school learners; Cool School’s six week curriculum has been designed to teach young students about bullying through interactive videos and offline activities. The program also addresses bystander behavior and how it can contribute to and increase bullying within the school environment.

To see a preview of the Cool School programme, click here. (bit.ly/2aUknxB)

Distributed by APO on behalf of Prognari.

The Social Express

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For kids with autism, this tech matters- CNET

For these kids, games and cute robots are more than just fun. On World Autism Awareness Day, we look at some of the ways technology is improving the lives of those with the condition.

CNET

Tech Culture
April 2, 20165:00 AM PDT

Amanda Kooser mugshot
by Amanda Kooser
@akooser
Leslie Katz mugshot
by Leslie Katz
@lesatnews

In The Social Express, a cast of animated characters help kids with autism learn helpful social skills.
The Social Express.

Both Katie and her teacher look like they’d be right at home in a Pixar film, and at first their conversation seems like it would fit in one too.

The ponytailed and pink-clad Katie really wants to sharpen her pencil, but her teacher won’t let her until the other kids in the class finish taking a test. Katie asks again, but the teacher offers the same frustrating answer.

“Katie seems upset that her teacher said ‘no.’ How should Katie respond? Let’s help Katie make the best choice,” a narrator says. “Remember, sometimes parents and teachers say ‘no’ when you ask them for something. It’s important that we stay calm and respond appropriately.”

The conversation, highlighted in software called The Social Express, aims to help kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, resolve conflicts and understand that no means no.
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It’s an important lesson packaged in kid-friendly animation. And it’s just one of several programs and robots that help kids with autism communicate, interact socially and control repetitive behaviors. All these can be a struggle for those affected by the broad and complicated range of brain development issues that fall under the ASD umbrella.

The Social Express was created by Marc and Tina Zimmerman, who have identical twin boys, both diagnosed with autism. The twins reacted positively to the use of a laptop during home therapy sessions, and that inspired the Zimmermans to create software that teaches social cues through animated, interactive lessons. It works on computers, iPads and with interactive white boards in school settings, and it lets parents, educators and kids work through lessons on topics like making eye contact, taking turns, listening to others, showing respect and controlling emotions.

ASD today affects 74 million people, or 1 percent of the world’s population, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many on the spectrum struggle to talk to other people and understand others’ thoughts and emotions, as well as their own. This makes it hard for many kids to form lasting relationships with those around them.
Enlarge Image

ASK Nao helps children with autism at Topcliffe primary school in the United Kingdom.
Ed Alcock

ASK Nao, a cute humanoid robot with a welcoming face, is another tech tool that can help. The bot, from Aldebaran Robotics, has a very specific purpose: to move, dance and interact with children with autism. The bot comes with special programs, like Guess Emotions, which involves NAO acting out an emotions and asking the child to identify it.

“Most children on the autism spectrum have a natural attraction towards technology, and Nao’s humanoid shape creates a perfect link between technology and humanity,” said Olivier Joubert, autism business unit manager at Aldebaran.

ASK Nao isn’t the only robot built to teach social skills to kids with autism. Back in 2010, a low-cost, child-size bot named Kaspar worked with kids who needed help learning proper social reactions.

Robots and apps are patient. They don’t judge. Even personal voice assistants like Siri can play a role, as the unlikely friendship between Apple’s artificial intelligence system and one child with autism shows.

Games can play a role too.

For kids with autism in a classroom in Australia, Minecraft is an effective teaching tool for communicating English, science, geography and art lessons. The multiplayer mode in this game, where you can build whole 3D worlds, encourages social interaction between students, improving conflict resolution and communications skills for kids with autism. Those skills can then translate to life outside the classroom. It can be challenging for people with autism to read body language and facial expressions.

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, with the entire month designated in the US as National Autism Awareness Month for promoting awareness of not only the condition itself, but also of the many creative tools for dealing with it. The campaign has designated blue as its signature color, and the hashtag #LIUB, for Light It Blue, is picking up traction on social media.

Autism organizations often use a puzzle piece as a symbol. It can represent the complexity of the disorder, but it can also be seen as a visual representation of how people with autism are key parts of a bigger picture, important pieces in the lives of their families and friends. Technology is finding its place in that jigsaw.

 

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These Parents of Autistic Twins Are Helping Kids All Over the World with Social Skills

When Marc Zimmerman’s twins were given an autism diagnosis, he decided to create something to make their lives better.

By Jamie Pacton

Zimmerman family Courtesy Marc Zimmerman

Marc Zimmerman has been a rockstar, composer, real estate broker, and software startup entrepreneur. But his latest project—founding and running the company responsible for the incredible social situation simulator The Social Express—is the one closest to his heart and home.Marc and his wife Tina are the parents of 14-year-old autistic twins Jared and Jason. When the boys were younger, Zimmerman wanted to create something that would help them navigate tricky social situations, reinforce what the boys were learning in therapy, and be something they could watch and learn from together. With this seed of an idea, Marc invested his life savings, made concrete plans, and now, with the help of Tina and many others, The Social Express is a reality.

So, what exactly does The Social Express do? According to its website, it, “provides an opportunity for the user to become more socially competent and have successful social interactions.” Or, put in simpler terms: It helps kids practice a variety of social situations in a low-stakes setting. Through colorful, expertly-animated videos and thoughtful storylines, kids can learn more about self-management, group participation, conversations, attentive listening, conflict management, relationships, non-verbal communication, and more. Kids watch the videos, then make choices that move them further along in the storyline. There are webisodes, e-books, music, and a “clubhouse” for social networking. It’s available for the computer or as an app, and Zimmerman notes that his sons and many other autistic kids really appreciate using technology as a vehicle for practicing social rules and conventions.

Social Express Social Express

Although I was skeptical about how much my children—a neurotypical 5-year-old and a non-verbal autistic 7-year-old—would take to the videos, I’m happy to report they were both enthralled by them. Together, we watched several in which kids tried to figure out which social choice was the most productive—and all of us appreciated the interactive aspect of The Social Express. We were also able to have a bit of conversation about the scenarios and why one way of acting was more positive than another in that social situation. I appreciated the conversation starters and the fact that this was low stakes, since social interactions in the real world cause both my children a lot of anxiety.

And my kids aren’t alone in appreciating The Social Express. Zimmerman reports that it is being used in homes and classrooms in more than 70 countries around the world, and it’s won quite a few awards, including being a part of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Education Technology Plan. Some schools are even using it with entire populations of students—not just autistic ones or those with special needs—and they’re seeing tremendous positive gains in social engagement. In fact, based on this success across student populations, Zimmerman is working on an anti-bullying program, similar to The Social Express, that will help kids figure out how to stop bullying in a variety of situations. He’s also planning on rolling out simulation programs to help with life skills and job training for older kids who are transitioning out of school.

The Social Express is a great program, and I love that it was inspired by the Zimmermans’ desire to help thier sons move more easily through the world. I’m hoping that with time, patience, and through practicing in many social situations both simualted and in the real world, my kids can see similar benefits to the Zimmerman twins, who are now artists, play in a band together, attend school, are good friends, and who are beginning to think about what the future might hold.

You can buy The Social Express here, and use this discount code at checkout to take 30% off the annual subscription: COOLTOOL. The code expires April 30, 2016.

Jamie Pacton lives in the Pacific Northwest where she drinks loads of coffee, dreams of sailing, and enjoys each day with her husband and two sons. Find her at www.jamiepacton.com and Twitter @jamiepacton.

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The Social Express Included In The US Department of Education 2016 National Education Technology Plan

ENCINITAS, Calif. – March 14, 2016 – The Social Express®, the award winning interactive program for children with social learning challenges, has been included in the latest version of the National Education Technology Plan 2016 – Future Ready Learning: Reimagining the Role of Technology in Education, published by the US Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology. The Social Express is the flagship product of Brighten Learning™, a company specializing in programs for children with social and emotional learning issues. The company recently released a new title, Cool School™, an online bullying intervention program.

Updated every five years, the National Education Technology Plan (NETP) is the key educational technology policy document for the United States. The 2016 Plan articulates a vision of equity, active use, and collaborative leadership to make everywhere, all-the-time learning possible. The Social Express is cited in the report’s chapter on “Engaging and Empowering Learning Through Technology,” as an example of a digital solution to help build non-cognitive competencies.

“Today we set a new vision for technology to support learning and have assembled an unprecedented coalition of partners dedicated to making sure that vision becomes practice to transform the learning of all students”, said Richard Culatta, director of ED’s Office of Educational Technology.

“The inclusion of The Social Express in the NETP 2016 is one of the most prestigious acknowledgments we have experienced to date,” said Marc Zimmerman, CEO of Brighten Learning. “Our goal has always been to create the best programs that not only serve the enormous population of students in need but to make sure the content is aligned and substantiated by education experts and policy makers.”

When announcing the new plan, former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, “Technology has the potential to bring remarkable new possibilities to teaching and learning by providing teachers with opportunities to share best practices, and offer parents platforms for engaging more deeply and immediately in their children’s learning. It can change the experiences of students in the most challenging circumstances by helping educators to personalize the learning experience based on students’ needs and interests—meeting our students where they are and challenging them to reach even higher”.

About Brighten Learning Inc.
Founded by parents of autistic twins in 2008, Brighten Learning is a privately held company based in Encinitas, Calif. The company’s mission is to help children with ADHD, Autism and Asperger’s to improve their lives by teaching social skills using video modeling. For more information visit http://thesocialexpress.com/.

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Brighten Learning Receives National Science Foundation SBIR Phase I Award

Encinitas, Calif. – October 2nd, 2015 – Brighten Learning, developer of web-based educational software including the award winning social skills program, The Social Express®, has been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The Phase I SBIR award will help fund development of digital content to help educate and prepare young adults for their future in the workforce and everyday life.

 

Under the grant, Brighten Learning will partner with Drs. Matthew T. Marino and Eleazar Vasquez, associate professors at the University of Central Florida and co-founders of Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) Consulting LLC., to create web-based interactive games that place students in a virtual world of employment. The games will also include content enabling school professionals to help with the transition from youth to adulthood.

 

“As research scientists, we have focused on supporting critical life, social, and academic skills related to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This approach not only aligns directly with The NSF’s mission of supporting education for all fields of fundamental science and engineering, but additionally falls in line with Common Core Standards and the Universal Design for Learning framework”, says Dr. Vasquez.  “By partnering with Brighten Learning, we can leverage their creativity and expertise in creating high quality digital content, and begin to fully realize the powerful potential of our findings.”

 

Vasquez and Marino’s research, which has been supported in part by $6.5 million in federal grants from the Institute of Education Sciences, the Office of Special Education Programs, and the NSF, focuses on the design and implementation of technology-enhanced STEM curricular materials. VLE Consulting is currently examining how the Universal Design for Learning framework can be included in videogames, iPad applications, and other virtual learning environments.

 

“We are confident that our commitment to improve children’s lives by researching and developing highly effective learning tools will be greatly accelerated by partnering with Drs. Marino and Vasquez,” said Marc Zimmerman, founder and CEO of Brighten Learning. “Maximizing our youth’s potential is the foundation on which I created Brighten Learning, and I am pleased and excited about the potential of our relationship,”

 

About Brighten Learning Inc.

Founded by parents of autistic twins in 2008, Brighten Learning is a privately held company based in Encinitas, Calif. The company’s mission is to help children with ADHD, Autism and Asperger’s to improve their lives by teaching social skills using video modeling. Visit the company at http://thesocialexpress.com/

 

About The NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

The SBIR stimulates technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business concerns in meeting Federal research and development needs, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, and fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.

 

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Follett School Solutions’ President Tom Schenck Joins Brighten Learning Board Of Directors

Encinitas, Calif. – Sept. 15, 2015 – Follett Schools Solutions’ President Tom Schenck has joined Brighten Learning Board of Directors.  Brighten Learning develops web-based interactive education software, including the award winning social skills program, The Social Express®.

 

Schenck joined Follett in 1989 and was appointed president of the Follett School Solutions’ Group (FSS) in April 2014.  Schenck has overall responsibility for preK-12 products and services, including marketing and selling, product management, development, services and product distribution.  FSS employs over 1,300 associates and serves over 70,000 K-12 school institutions with its school management systems and content and services offerings daily.  During his 26-year career at Follett, Schenck has served in many roles, including president of Follett Software Company in 1998, and in 2014 he pioneered the merger of four of Follett’s preK-12 businesses into one organization, Follett School Solutions.

 

“I have seen numerous innovative companies in my many roles at Follett, and what Marc Zimmerman has created with Brighten Learning taps into the very direction of the future of education” says Schenck.  “My mandate has always been to create and provide education solutions that help administrators, educators and students achieve their goals.  Brighten Learning is the type of forward thinking company that realizes this by leveraging technology with learning in a clear, responsible and highly engaging way.”

 

Marc Zimmerman, CEO of Brighten Learning, added, “I have been fortunate to know Tom for many years and with his valuable experience and expertise, he can help Brighten Learning navigate the education market and continue our path to deliver the best education products to schools.”

Schenck has extensive experience in software product development, data analysis, and information technology.  Prior to joining Follett, he co-founded Library Systems and Services Inc., a company that specialized in public library automation software and services.  After selling Library Systems and Services in 1985, Schenck joined the software development team at The Library Corp. and played a key role in the development of product line extensions to Bibliofile. In 1987, he was appointed director of R&D.

 

 

About Follett’s PreK-12 Business | Follettlearning.com

Follett is the largest provider of educational materials and technology solutions to preK-12 libraries, classrooms, learning centers and school districts in the United States, and a major supplier to educational institutions worldwide. Follett distributes books, reference materials, digital resources, ebooks and audiovisual materials, as well as pre-owned textbooks. Follett also is one of the leading providers of integrated educational technology for the management of physical and digital assets, the tracking, storing and analyzing of academic data, and digital learning environment tools for the classroom focusing on student achievement.

 

About Follett Corporation | Follett.com

Since 1873, Follett has served as the trusted partner in education for students and educators at all levels of learning. Today Follett delivers physical and digital learning materials, retail services, school content and management systems to more than 70,000 early childhood, primary and secondary schools, and on more than 1,000 college campuses. Headquartered in Westchester, Ill., Follett is a $2.7 billion privately held company.

 

About Brighten Learning Inc.

Brighten Learning™, founded in 2008 by parents of autistic twins, is a privately held company based in Encinitas, Calif. The company develops The Social Express™ and other interactive social learning software. The company’s mission is to help children with ADHD, Autism and Asperger’s to improve their lives by teaching social skills using video modeling. Visit the company at http://thesocialexpress.com/

 

For more information visit http://www.TheSocialExpress.com

 

Media contact:

Leslie Eicher, APR

314-965-1776

Leslie@EicherCommunications.com

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New Animated Cool School™ Program Helps Teachers Provide Students with the Tools and Strategies Needed to Stand Up Against Bullying Behavior

cool-school-banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

From the developers of “The Social Express®,” Cool School includes lesson plans, interactive videos, assessments and everything else teachers need to educate and empower students

Encinitas, Calif. – Aug. 26, 2014 – According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, nearly 1 in 3 students report being bullied during the school year.  States have implemented strict anti-bullying laws, but any educator will tell you that punitive action alone won’t extricate the problem.  Students need to be taught – from an early age – how to recognize bullying behavior and how to respond when confronted with or witnessing the behavior.

To help educators accomplish this all-important task, Brighten Learning®, developers of the award-winning The Social Express®, a web-based program that teaches social and emotional learning, have created Cool School™.  Click to Tweet.  This new, highly engaging and informative interactive software program will give schools an easy-to-use tool to modify anti-social behavior by promoting pro-social interactions.  Designed for elementary school learners, the program will be available for purchase beginning September 15, 2014.  Pre-orders can be placed by going to http://www.coolschoolcentral.com.

“There are numerous programs and campaigns aimed at addressing bullying in schools, but none provide what is an essential element of behavior modification: video modeling of effective and ineffective behaviors alike.  Interactive videos are the foundation of the Cool School program, and they serve as the touch points for student reflection, class discussions and exercises,” said Marc Zimmerman, founder and CEO of Brighten Learning®.
“I believe that the program is well suited for its target audience. I know the students will love the animation and the content aligns perfectly with our Positive Behavioral support programs already in place,” said Dr. Sherri Wexler, a school psychologist at Encinitas Unified School District in San Diego County.

The comprehensive, six-week Cool School program begins with a pre-assessment to help each student understand their place in the cycle of bullying, whether they have engaged in bullying behavior in the past, have been a recipient or have witnessed bad actions by others.  Students in grades K-2 will partake in one lesson a week at skill Level 1, students in grades 3-4 will also have one lesson per week at Level 2, and those in grades 5+ will engage in two lessons per week at skill Level 3.  Each lesson, which lasts approximately 40 minutes, consists of one interactive episode, followed by class discussion and then personal journal writing centered on strategies for developing and displaying appropriate pro-social behavior.  In addition, the program can extend beyond the six-week time frame as teachers are encouraged to give “Promo Passes” or badges to students who demonstrate pro-social behavior, making those students Cool School Agents.

“Giving students time to reflect by way of the journal writing offers a great way to gauge their comprehension of the content,” stated Zimmerman.  “And recognizing good behavior builds awareness.  It’s critical that we teach students about the effects of bullying behavior as early as possible as it often begins when students enter kindergarten and, sadly, continues for some through adulthood.  With our new Cool School program, we are providing teachers with an easy-to-implement resource that teaches and reinforces pro-social behavior and advocates against bullying behaviors.”

About Brighten Learning

Headquartered in Encinitas, California, the Language Express® was formed in 2010 and launched its first product, The Social Express® in 2011. The award winning Social Express® is an engaging, educational software solution for children and young adults with social learning challenges. The software is designed to teach users how to think about and manage social situations, helping them to develop meaningful social relationships and succeed in life. For more information, visit www.thesocialexpress.com or call 877-360-0155.

 

 

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The Social Express Wins a 2014 ON for Learning Award from Common Sense Media

The Social Express wins 2014 ON Learning Award for Digital LearningScreen Shot 2014-03-20 at 12.29.00 PM

 Award ceremony in San Francisco on March 20th will celebrate the year’s best in kids’ digital media products designed to educate and engage

ENCINITAS, CA —March 20, 2014-– The Social Express has received a 2014 ON for Learning Award from Common Sense Media, the national nonprofit dedicated to helping kids thrive with media and technology. The Social Express is one of just 55 apps, games and websites to be recognized for Read more

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Panelist at 2014 Autism Investment Conference

2014 Autism Investment ConferenceAutism Speaks is holding its 2014 Autism Investment Conference (AIC2014)  March 4-5 at the historic Bently Reserve in downtown San Francisco.

I’m pleased to say that I’ll be speaking on a panel based on my experience founding and developing The Social Express. I’ll discuss the challenges, opportunities, risks and rewards of launching a startup company in this industry.

The goal of AIC2014 is that it will help increase awareness and understanding of the diverse opportunity landscape for new business development among the investment community, and provide an event that helps connect developers with investors. From healthcare and life sciences to education and housing, AIC2014 will introduce entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes working on innovative products that address the unmet needs of the autism community.

AIC is also an event that aims to educate through expert panel sessions that introduce and break down many of the unique opportunities, challenges and risks facing new product development in autism today, including understanding the regulatory environment and exploring reimbursement strategies.

The event is attended by Venture Capital Investors, Professional Investors, Life Science Executives, Biotech/Pharma Business Development Professionals, Research Analysts, Licensing Professionals, Research & Development Executives, Health Care Providers, Service Providers, Entrepreneurs and Private Equity Investors.

I’ll share my insights about the event and the great work that is going on by entrepreneurs in this important industry.

— Marc

If you’re looking to help your child learn social skills, our online engaging animated program may benefit your child. Parents tell us that kids love the Hollywood style animation and characters and actually ask to use The Social Express!
To see how it works, click here.   Click here to try our 10-day, no risk trial.

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