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MD Assistive Technology Program
2025 Year in Review
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AT Device Loans
- 215 Device loans conducted
- 430 Total devices loaned
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AT Demonstrations
- 196 Device demonstrations
- 227 Participants
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Device Loan - Client Highlight
"On behalf of our senior tenants association, we sincerely thank you for the generous loan of the portable sound system. For the first time, our attendees could clearly hear the presenter — and their excitement was unmistakable.
MDTAP’s sound system did more than amplify sound — it amplified inclusion. In that moment, it became true assistive technology, removing barriers and giving our seniors equal access to the information being shared.
We hope to continue this success at future meetings. MDTAP’s made a remarkable difference, and any opportunity to help us sustain this level of inclusion would be deeply appreciated.
Thank you for helping us create a more accessible, welcoming, and connected space for our community."
-Marvin, MDTAP participant
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AT Financial Loans (ATLP)
- 110 Loan applications processed
- 71 Loans approved
- 35 Loans made
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Total value of loans made: $1,217,286.00
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Information & Assistance
- 1,019 unique AT, financing, and disability resource conversations.
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I&A occurs at all 9 AT Libraries and provides consumers with direct resources and services.
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Financial Loan Impact Story
In January 2025, Ms. M applied to the ATLP for a loan to purchase a variety of needed assistive technologies, including attachments for her electric wheelchair, a laptop, and software that offers both screen magnification and screen reading to assist her with completing college courses. While waiting for the processing of the loan request, Ms. M was also able to borrow a laptop with Fusion software from the AT Lending Library to establish familiarity with the program, stay current with college classes, and support her work as a long-term substitute teacher in the local school system. In February, the ATLP Board approved her loan at a below-market rate and for an extended repayment term, ensuring the payments were manageable and the AT was attained in a timely manner. For Ms. M, the ATLP loan was vital to acquiring the technology needed to continue her college coursework and support needs within her current employment. This loan leveraged her ability to ensure long-term success in school and at work.
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AT Reuse & Recycling
- 83 individuals received gently used AT
- 228 AT devices provided for free
- Total savings to Marylanders: $146,425.00
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3D Printed AT Fabrication
- 147 individuals received 3D printed devices
- 382 devices provided for free
- Total savings to Marylanders: $5,185.00
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Reuse Impact Story
During the summer of 2025, the AT Reuse Coordinator with MDTAP connected with Metro Speech Therapy, a company that provides speech therapy services to children and adults. Out of this connection, an SLP working at Metro Speech Therapy set up an AT donation box in the therapy office lobby. This would provide patients an opportunity to easily donate used AAC devices they no longer needed, from low tech to high tech. This donation box will serve as an easy, centralized location for giving away equipment no longer needed. As this model continues to prove as an easy & effective donation space, MDTAP intends to connect with other organizations across the state to replicate.
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3D Printing Fabrication - Client Highlight
“I was just SO excited to find this program. I have EDS and POTS and have been really struggling this past year...I'm a painter/multimedia artist and losing the strength in my hands has been incredibly difficult. I'm constantly trying to find mobility aids and tools to help me regain freedom but not being able to work and afford all those things is a challenge.
Coming across this program has given me more joy than I can explain! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to gain my freedom back and not have to worry about how I'll afford or acquire those things. Y'all are such a bright light in this crazy world!"
~Ivy, 3D Printing Fabrication Program Client
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Public Awareness
- 119 Outreach events
- 94 Presentations
- 25 Expos, conferences
- 5,750 people connected to AT
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Public Awareness Highlight
MDTAP staff presented a session at the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) hosted by Independence Now, a Center for Independent Living in Maryland. The YLF aims to support youth with disabilities across the state, noting its mission of "Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegates build leadership skills and prepare for future employment, higher education, and independent living."
This one hour presentation included an overview of the adaptive gaming systems for the Nintendo Switch and the Microsoft Xbox One. Additionally, the presenter explained MDTAP services and shared information on the DSCI Service year option, a new state facilitated employment-track established at the cabinet-level and utilized to support skill development in youth not attending college.
The YLF attendees (transition-age youth with disabilities) had the opportunity to try out a variety of adapted gaming systems and ask questions about AT, accessibility, and assistive technology services at the end of the presentation.
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Training
- 38 unique AT and Digital Accessibility trainings hosted
- 1,110 people trained on Assistive Technology topics
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Training Topics 2025
- How to Advocate for Accessibility in Your Workplace
- AI and Accessibility
- Native Low-Vision Accessibility Features Mac vs Windows
- Funding Home Modifications in Maryland
- Scanning Pens and Smart Pens: When, Why, and How to Use Them
- Disability and Substance Use Disorder
- AT for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
- 3 S's for Autism: AT for Sensory, Social Skills, and Behavior Supports
- A Beginner's Guide to 3D Printing AT
Find these recorded sessions and more on our YouTube Channel!
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Program Highlight: Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program Award
In fall of 2025, MDTAP was awarded a Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program award through TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies.
"This award from TEDCO is a fantastic opportunity that directly aligns with the Maryland Department of Disabilities' mission to empower Marylanders with disabilities," said MDOD Secretary Carol Beatty. "The expansion of MDTAP's 3D printing program will not only allow us to create and provide more essential, low-tech assistive devices for free, but it also creates valuable opportunities for workforce training and community engagement. This investment is a commitment to fostering innovation and independence for the people we serve across the state."
As a result of this funding, MDTAP will be able to expand our 3D printing fabrication program, where we create low-tech assistive devices and provide them to Maryland residents for free. The award will allow us to purchase more, higher quality 3D printers, complex design software and in-depth training in its usage, broadened marketing for the program, and the capacity to bring community members in for internship opportunities and community events to learn about and participate in the creation of DIY assistive technologies made possible through 3D printing. This opportunity will also leverage our ability to print more complex, larger technologies and offer the opportunity to establish stronger working partnerships with universities and makerspaces across the state.
READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE
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MDTAP works with partner agencies across the state to expand assistive technology and digital accessibility infastructures, ensuring seamless integration and access through healthcare, education, employment, and community services. This work is ongoing and evolving.
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Maryland Medicare/Medicaid (DDA)
- Technology First Initiative Partner
- AT Subcommittee Representative of the Technology First Taskforce
- Contributions to the Community Pathways Waiver Clarifications for AT
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
- Collaboration with MSDE and National Federation of the Blind
- Collaborator on the 7-910 Equivalent Access Training Modules
- Digital Procurement and Accessibility collaborations
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Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
- Custom client tours for Office of Blindness and Vision Services
- Assistive Tech Lending Library Access
- Solution Exploration for DORS clients with employment goals
Maryland Department of Aging
- Memory Care Family Checklist Integration (MD 211)
- Strengthened AT Solutions and Referrals through the 211 system
- AT Impact Domains: Safety, Daily Living, Caregiver Support
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AT Champions
2025 saw a new cohort of AT Champions take part in a 6-month internship focused on building AT awareness and outreach.
The AT Champions program serves as an opportunity for young adults with disabilities to engage in disability advocacy, AT creativity and community collaboration, diving headfirst into the dynamic world of assistive technology!
Check out our AT Champions videos on YouTube and Instagram!
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New in 2025
Find these, and other great resources, on the TAP website!
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