Sesame Enable, an Israel-based technology firm, opened its United States headquarters, near the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland.

The company has developed a proprietary technology, known as Open Sesame, that enables people to operate a smartphone through head movements and voice control if they cannot use their hands to control the device’s touch screen.

Maryland said it is one of the first states to adopt this technology, which is now available to citizens through the state’s Maryland Accessible Telecommunications program administered by the Department of Information Technology.

“Governor Hogan has been an active supporter of Sesame Enable for the past year as we searched for a U.S. headquarters that would align with our vision of supporting people with physical challenges,” said Oded Ben Dov, CEO and co-founder Sesame Enable, Ltd. “We chose Maryland because of the backing we have received from the state subsidy program, and Bethesda’s proximity to health institutions, including those focusing on veterans. In addition, we are now close to Washington, D.C., where we know we’ll have opportunity to influence change needed to make our technology readily available to all Americans who can benefit from it.”

“Sesame Enable’s decision to choose Bethesda for its headquarters is tremendous news for Montgomery County and our state,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I was excited to see this cutting edge technology firsthand, and we are proud to be one of the first states to expand universally accessible options to our citizens with disabilities.”

“Maryland remains on the cutting edge, ensuring that innovations in technology are utilized to improve the life experiences of those with disabilities,” said Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty.

“I am especially pleased to learn that the equipment developed by Sesame Enable was created by people with disabilities. I am grateful to Governor Hogan for not only bringing a new business to our state, but one which has such potential to positively impact Marylanders with disabilities,” she said.

“We are excited to welcome Sesame Enable to Maryland, which will serve as an excellent base of operations as the company expands into the U.S. marketplace,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “The company’s innovative technology will significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities right here in Maryland and around the globe.”