“What I Wish” is an annual campaign where parents, caregivers, teachers, and/or relatives submit custom device “wishes” for children with developmental or cognitive challenges (ages 2-21).  Requests are accepted in early spring through April 30.   Once requests are approved for scope and safety, 1-3 families receive their requests, at no charge – Yes, no charge!  For all other requests, families can still have their wishes granted for a small project fee – far below market price.  For families with income challenges, we work with the families to achieve their goals.  So, submit your request! 

Apply by April 30, 5pm – Don’t miss this chance to dream up the best AT for your child! 

Hey guys,

I wanted to write a brief blog regarding durable medical equipment (DME) resources in Maryland. Firstly, what is DME? The category for DME includes devices / items like:

• Wheelchairs (power and manual)
• Scooters
• Rollators / walkers
• Toilet and shower supports
• Bathroom aids
• Hospital beds
• Among others

The Maryland Assistive Technology Program (MDTAP) does not loan out devices like these, so the question now begs to be asked: where does one go to acquire these devices?

1. Firstly, I would check with your insurance company as they may provide some of these devices for you for little to no charge (depending on your insurance provider).
   1. Navigating insurance companies can be tricky and they do not cover everything. Some things may be covered, some may not, and some devices may be covered once every so often so if it breaks or no longer is a correct fit there may be gaps in what the insurance can assist with and what the individual needs.
2. Next I would check out Maryland’s newest DME Reuse Program. Here is the link to their webpage: Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use. They accept donations of DME and can assist with distributing the DME to MD residents with disabilities!
   1. For questions, please email MDOA@maryland.gov​or call 240-230-8000
3. You can contact your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) to see if they can help with assistance with locating one and potential funding opportunities. These CILs are organized by county so check this website to find out which CIL serves the county you or your loved one reside in Maryland Centers for Independent Living (organized by county)
4. Check out our Loan Closet Directory listed on our webpage (mdatp.org). This directory has a list of non-profits and other agencies in Maryland that collect DME and clean / refurbish it to distribute to MD residents.
   1. Some are free, some require a fee, and some require a deposit. The directory lists all of this information within it and can be a great resource to point individuals in the right direction to find some DME.
5. Lastly, I would check our MD Assistive Technology Equipment Reuse Facebook Yard Sale page. The purpose of this page is for MD residents to connect with one another to buy, sell, or give away things they no longer need. We do not control what is listed or the price of these items but this may be a great place to check periodically to see what is available.

I hope that this information is helpful and can lend assistance to finding DME! Any questions can be directed to james.whitney1@maryland.gov and I would be happy to answer them.

-James Whitney

Do you have AT, medical equipment, or even medical supplies you want to get rid of? Or need something you don’t want to pay full price for? Check out MATER – the Maryland Assistive Technology Equipment Reuse page on Facebook. Feel free to post what you’re giving away, selling, or need, and we can help you make the right connections! 

Attend iOS App Development Seminar w/the National Federation of the Blind

March 31, 2021, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. ET via Zoom

With built-in accessibility features and resources for developers, Apple’s iOS provides the opportunity to deliver a mobile experience to every customer including blind and low-vision users. The National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility, with Apple, will host an app development seminar. Please join us on Wednesday March 31, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, to learn about how to make iOS apps accessible.

Apple Accessibility engineers will discuss a wide range of topics to allow developers to design, develop, and test apps with accessibility in mind. Take advantage of this free opportunity.

Register Now

Topics to be covered:

• Accessibility features on iOS
• Developing accessible applications
• Testing your application for accessibility

Register now for the Mobile Application Development Seminar. We look forward to your participation.

About National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind is a transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Our Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility (CENA) provides resources and events with access technology experts. Learn more about CENA. Nonvisual accessibility is creating an equitable user experience on your product for blind and low-vision users.