Maryland Department of Disabilities 

Technology Assistance Program 

A teenage boy sits in wheelchair while using a laptop Girl with augmentative communication device MDTAP Crown logo Red adapted van with chair lift MDTAP staff presenting in the AT Lab
  AT News Update                                               August 2015

In This Issue
What's New @ MDTAP
Consumer Highlight
Apps, Apps & more Apps
Seeking ATLP Board Members
Web Accessibility Training Day
New AT on Equipment Link
Upcoming Events
Quick Links
Join Our List

  What's New @ MDTAP

Newest AT in the MDTAP AT Library
 

Amigo HD displaying image of butterfly

Amigo HD - Portable HD desktop magnifier with a seven inch widescreen.



 

To see a demonstration of these devices OR to borrow a device from our AT Library (free of charge), contact us at 1-800-832-4827 or mdtap@mdtap.org

 

   Consumer Highlight - Cara Gregg

 

After a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1999 and interstitial lungdisease in 2013, Cara Gregg, local community volunteer, decided it was time to look into getting an adapted vehicle for herself. Tired of having to stand out in the cold, snow, rain, and heat to load her wheelchair in and out of her car, she had decided to purchase a 2014 Toyota Sienna adapted van.

Cara and Tank outside the new, adapted vehicle

Combining small grants from a variety of organizations and agencies, as well as receiving a substantial grant from her church, Bridgeway Community Church, Cara researched additional options to pay for the balance of the otherwise costly van, finding information about the Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) through a Google search.

 

After reaching out to the ATLP and submitting an application for financing in February, Ms. Gregg worked closely with Keyonna Baker, Assistant Director of the ATLP, to secure the loan, "She seemed to care that I had a great experience and that the process went smoothly." Having retired from her position as a PG County school teacher, and having had to give up a variety of activities that she previously held dear such as traveling, scuba diving, and visiting amusement parks, Ms. Gregg has been excited about the prospect of regaining some of her independence with a car that could more easily accommodate her wheelchair, "I now use much less energy loading and unloading my wheelchair... This allows me to go to community events or meet with friends...to spend less time in bed resting and more time volunteering with Fidos for Freedom, Inc., Special Olympics Howard County, and Bridgeway Community Church." Among her many volunteer roles, Cara and her service dog, Tank, now use the vehicle to travel the state promoting the use of service animals, making therapeutic visits to schools for children with disabilities, and working with inmates in the Fido's Federal Prison Program to train inmates working with young service animals. 

 

The Assistive Technology Loan Program was established to provide financing options to Marylanders who might otherwise not be able to afford the assistive technology they are in need of. Through partnerships with local lenders, the ATLP staff works with consumers one-on-one to help applicants establish monthly payments that are affordable so they can access the equipment they need. And for Ms. Gregg, "Without the program, I would not have been able to afford payments on my van. I want others to have the same experience and outcome as I."


  Apps, Apps & more Apps!
Screenshot of Stepping Stones app with tasks outlined using images
Stepping Stones App

BigBrowser (Free) BigBrowser is an Internet browsing application designed to help low vision users more easily navigate the web on their iPads. Its extra large keyboard and controls, expanded pinch zooming, and multiple color themes make content easy to read. 

 

 

Stepping Stones ($0.99) Stepping Stones is a simple and user-friendly app which allows you to quickly create visual guides or 'Paths', using your own photos. It offers a clean, simple experience for children and adults who benefit from visual support, including those with developmental disabilities such as autism, attention or auditory processing deficits, learning disabilities, or anxiety.


 

  S eeking ATLP Board Members

 

The Maryland Assistive Technology Loan Program is looking for qualified candidates to serve on its Board of Directors, starting September 2015. The Board establishes policies and procedures, governs personnel decisions, supervises the staff and Director, issues decisions on applications for loan guarantees and interest or principle subsidies. The Assistive Technology Loan Program is in need of three candidates with significant experience in finance, accounting, investment management, or consumer lending. This is a volunteer position.

 

If interested please contact Tanya Goodman, Director - Assistive Technology Loan Program, at 410-554-9244 or tgoodman@mdtap.org for an application.

                                    Save the Date! November 4th! Web Accessibility Training Day

 

Web Accessibility Training Day

November 4, 2015   

                              

                           200 East Wells Street 

       at Jernigan Place 

     Baltimore, MD 21230 

   

 

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access to Commerce, Public Information, and Education (CENA) and the Maryland Technology Assistance Program are proud to announce the next Web Accessibility Training Day to be held on November 4, 2015.

 

This year we are expanding both the technical and policy tracks. Whether you are wondering how to implement accessibility in education, curious about the Section 508 update, or wanting to learn more about how to test for web accessibility, we've got you covered.


Further updates will be available shortly at the Web Accessibility Training Day webpage


Registration is $100 and the event will be held at the NFB Jernigan Institute. 

 

For more information, please visit the NFB, or email Clara Van Gerven.

 

 

                                    NEW Items on Equipment Link!

 

Check out some of the newest items on the Equipment Link website

 

Mobility, Seating, Positioning

  • Pronto Sure Step M50 by Invacare - $650 or Best Offer              
  • Quantum Electric Wheelchair - Free                                          
  • Jazzy Motorized Wheelchair - $500 or Best Offer   


 

Daily Living                                                                  

  • Bedside Commode - Two Available - Free                                
  • Hair Wash Tray - Free                                                              
  • Bariatric Bed and Mattress - $3,000 or Best Offer 
  • Hospital Bed With Pad - Free


 

Recreational, Sports and Leisure                                         

  • Pedal Exerciser - Free                                                      

                                  

Email us if you'd like to learn more about any of these items!

 

Outreach Events for August 2015

calendar-banner-yellow.jpgInternational Association of Venue ManagersAugust 2, Baltimore

 

Weinberg Village - August 13, Owings Mills

 

BISM Senior Possibilities Fair - August 20, Baltimore 

Disclaimer
Please be advised that the information provided in this publication  should not be deemed as an approval or endorsement for any product or service.