Adaptive Technologies Company History
Early Company History
Adaptive Technologies began business as a speech recognition value added reseller (VAR) in the early 1990s, offering Dragon Dictate – Dragon System's original product – and training services. We were one of the original Dragon System resellers in North America and were the only reseller within the Rocky Mountain region. At the time, most new computers had a 486 processor, DOS, and Windows 3.0. Speech Recognition accuracy was only about 85% accurate back then, and users had to pause between every word for the software to work at all.
The only legitimate market for speech recognition software in the early 1990's was the disability market. The software was too difficult to use and too frustrating for the average computer user. For quadriplegics with typing difficulties, however, speech recognition was a godsend. With professional training and diligent practice, quadriplegics could control Windows 3.0 hands free!
Mid 1990s and the Emergence of Computer Technology
Since the disability market was the primary audience for speech recognition, Adaptive Technologies gradually became more involved with the disabled community, providing other products and services related to quadriplegia such as infrared pointing devices, alternative mice, and home control technologies. Throughout the mid 1990s, Adaptive Technologies was known as the quadriplegic technology experts and are still widely recognized for our expertise with spinal cord injuries, MS, and ALS.
Throughout the mid-1990s we were also the exclusive Dragon Systems reseller within an eight-state region. With the introduction of Intel's Pentium processor, speech recognition accuracy improved considerably, attracting the attention of many technology savvy medical professionals. Suddenly, speech recognition software could be used to compose medical SOAP Notes. It was this early interest in speech recognition software that got us involved in medical IT services.
Late 1990s, 2000, 2001 and Diversification
The introduction of the Pentium III processor and Dragon NaturallySpeaking Version 4 (still one of our favorite versions) pushed speech recognition into the mainstream market. Suddenly, users could dictate without pausing between words! The product was so revolutionary that large electronics retailers began offering basic versions of Dragon NaturallySpeaking in stores.
It was during this period that Adaptive Technologies began diversifying its product and service offerings. Most notably, we became the #1 local provider of computer software and services for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD, and ADHD. For the first time, we were more than just the "quadriplegic technology experts". Language and learning disabilities quickly became an important segment of our business.
Transition to a Modern Services Company
Over the past six years, we've continued the expansion and diversification momentum originally put into place in the late 1990s but at a faster pace. Despite the large number of changes that have taken place in Adaptive Technologies' markets during the past 15+ years, our core staff has remained intact, giving us a distinct advantage when conducting evaluations and trainings because of our extensive experience.
Over the past four years, we've witnessed substantial growth within medical IT services and support. The reward of over seven years of investment in medical IT expertise, we now provide small medical practices with custom IT training, computer support services, networking services, custom form development services, speech recognition training and support services, and custom database development services.
Today, Adaptive Technologies is a services company with strong roots in the disability services and medical IT markets. We work hard to deliver the highest quality services within both of our primary markets. For additional information about our services and products, please explore our website further.