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Image Center Solutions 2021 Awards

Sep 17th, 2021 by

 
Join in VIRTUALLY to celebrate and
honor volunteers, students, and partners of the Image Center!
Thursday, Sept 30 @ 7- 8:15pm
Inspiring, uplifting, empowering!
Bring your beverage of choice!
 
Pictured (top-bottom; L-R): (work of 2020)
  • Image Student of the Year – Rebecca Parker
  • Image Peer Mentor of the Year – Ciara Gentry
  • Image/VME Alumni of the Year – Isabella Gudino (UMBC mechanical engineering ’21)
  • Image/VME Project of the Year – Massachusetts Institute of Technology by the M.I.T. Team
  • Image Community Partner of the Year – Clinical Associate Professor Marlene Riley (Towson University – Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science Department)
  • David Ward Advocacy Award – Sheryl Grossman – Disability Advocate; especially during the pandemic
  • Image/VME Volunteers of the Year: Dr. Vincent Nguyen, Mechanical Engineer, University of Maryland; Dr. Carolyn Chanoski, Retired Physical Therapist
  • Image/VME Team of the Year – The Bike Team – (Art Drought., Bryan Muller, Dr. Carolyn Chanoski, Dave Hall, David Lassen, Dan Hedges, Jim & Denise Arnett, John & Laura Haug, Kirk Platt, Dr. Vince Nguyen)
  • Image Corporate Partner of the Year – Exelon Corporation – IT Department – Event: iTee (special video presentation on Sept 30)

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Twitter Access

Sep 9th, 2021 by

Twitter announced at the end of August that they have improved their captioning system.  There will now be a dedicated space for captions, where they are typically located.  Their system now also accepts iOS device settings, which means your personal captions settings will be applied to any videos you view through Twitter.  Lastly, you now have the ability to scroll back through captions in case you missed something or need to double check a word. 

If you’re adding captions, you’ll still need a .SRT file.  If you need a way to generate this file, there is a free program called CADET made available by the National Center for Accessible Media at WGBH.  You can find it here: https://www.wgbh.org/foundation/what-we-do/ncam/cadet.  It takes a bit of setup to make it work but once you’ve got it installed, it’s quite simple to use.  Instructions for installation and use can be found here: http://ncamftp.wgbh.org/cadet/help/install.html.  It can be run on Mac, Windows, or Linux. 

To keep an eye on Twitter accessibility improvements, follow their A11y account!  It can be found here: https://twitter.com/twittera11y?lang=en or log in and look for @TwitterA11y.  The account also collects feedback on features and problems encountered, so it’s a good way to report issues you may be experiencing. 

A screen grab of a Twitter account page called Twitter Accessibility, with the account name @TwitterA11y. There is a blue banner photo with white characters and white text reading "what's happening"

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I AM Weekly Programs

Sep 9th, 2021 by

The IMAGE Center wants to hear from you! Since March, Maryland’s Centers for Independent Living have been pleased to present weekly programs of interest to people with disabilities, their families and professionals. Please take a moment and drop an email note to express topics or guests you would like to have brought to the program.
 
No complicated survey, no boxes to check, just send an email to info@imagemd.org with your ideas.
 
Thanks in advance for your support and for making a difference in Maryland.
 

Next I AM: Monday, Sept. 13th at 2:00 p.m.

Home Ownership Programs

 
Independence amplified maryland logoThe Maryland Mortgage Program has numerous programs that provide assistance for down payment and closing cost assistance to future homebuyers. The Home Ability Program (one of their many programs) offers up to $45,000 in assistance for people who have a disability or for people who are the primary caregiver for a person who has a disability. This program may be right for you!
 
Th speaker is Amy E. Wolff, Senior Loan Officer for Direct Mortgage Loans
 
 

What is I AM?

 
The Centers for Independent Living in Maryland are collaborating on a weekly live stream. The stream, which can be watched live via Zoom or viewed later on YouTube, will feature speakers on the current issues that most interest the disability community, families, and service providers.
 
We will hear from disability leaders, public officials, and most importantly—you, our community, and listeners. The show will educate the public about the capacities of people with disabilities through the message of I AM: I AM independent. I AM safe. I AM prepared. I AM in charge. Topics may include food resources, transportation concerns, and how the rules of re-opening the economy affect the community. 
 
Independence Amplified Maryland is your opportunity to know what’s going on in the world of disability and take control of your future.
 
 
Please register below for the call information and the opportunity to let us know if you have accessibility accommodations!
 
 

Logos of the CILS of Maryland

Please donate to support the Independence Maryland Amplified Broadcast
when you register!

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Positions Available

Sep 7th, 2021 by

The Maryland Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) is seeking candidates with significant experience in finance, accounting, investment management, consumer lending, or who have disabilities or assist individuals with disabilities to serve on its volunteer Board of Directors appointed by the Governor. 

As of October 1, 2021, the ATLP Board has 2 open positions – one (1) to be filled by consumers with disabilities, or those who support individuals with disabilities; and one (1) to be filled by consumers with finance, lending, and/or accounting experience. 

The purpose of the Assistive Technology Loan Program Board is to support the ATLP in its function to provide low-interest financial loans to people with disabilities in order to purchase assistive technologies, home modifications, and adapted and non-adapted vehicles.The ATLP Board of Directors establishes and reviews policies and procedures, issues weekly decisions on applications for loan guarantees and interest or principle subsidies, and advises on fiscal and budgetary matters. 

If you are interested in serving on the ATLP Board of Directors, please contact Tanya Goodman at 410-554-9244 or at tanya.goodman1@maryland.gov. 

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AT News, Fall 2021

Sep 7th, 2021 by

Maryland AT Program logo

Visit our website

New AT to Borrow and Try

MDTAP short library tourExplore how technology can improve independence at school and work with some of the newest AT in the library!

BeHear Now – Assistive Listening Device
 
Cpen Reader Pen – Scans text, provides feedback, and more
 
ClearSounds Quattro Pro 4.0 – Bluetooth amplification/assistive listening system
 
Humanware Connect 12 – Electronic magnifier with improved distance camera + OCR
 
Zoomax Snow 12 -12″ portable electronic magnifier
 
OrCam Read – Handheld device with a smart camera that seamlessly reads text from any printed surface or digital screen.
 
Have questions about what AT might work best for you?
Complete our service request form to request a consultation, demonstration, or device loan.
 
 
 

AT Solutions for Hearing Loss

September 21, 2021 @ 2pm
 
As schools and workplaces re-open, many of us are headed back to business, with or without AT. This webinar willTwo computers connected, allowing two people to type back and forth in real time. explore a variety of Assistive Technologies that are available for D/HoH individuals, including visual alert systems, cell and landline phone systems, hearing amplification devices, and more!
 
We’ll explore ways to integrate AT with your current technologies (like turning on captioning in virtual meetings), and much more! We’ll also cover the who, what, and how of the Maryland AT Program and Maryland Accessible Telecommunications – two vital technology programs for Marylanders with disabilities.
 
All webinars include live captioning. 
 
If you need additional accommodations, please contact Lori Markland, lori.markland@maryland.gov
 
Disclaimer:
Attendees of these trainings should be aware that there are known and potential privacy and confidentiality issues with the Zoom System (Cloud Service, Web application, and/or Application). While every effort has been made to ensure the security of this meeting, factors out of the State’s control introduce risk. Participants should evaluate the risk associated with the application and platform and determine if the risks preclude the use of the service. The State provides no warranty regarding the security of the application, confidentiality of the information discussed, or the privacy of information collected by the application and/or service. Security events impacting the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of a meeting (e.g., ZoomBombing) must be reported to the State Security Operations Center (soc.info@maryland.gov).
 
 

ATvisor.ai

An online platform to identify AT products, get recommendations, and find consultants!Screenshot of the ATvisor homepage showing a woman in a wheelchair sitting at a table with a man, using an iPad.
 
Find a variety of assistive technology for your needs, capabilities and preferences in all areas of life: mobility, domestic life, work, education, leisure, communication and more – and connect to hundreds of suppliers and consultants all over the world.
 
Just another way to search, learn, and hone in on the best AT solutions.
 
 
 

SHIFT: Professional Enabling Technology Skills Certification

SHIFT is an education curriculum focused on providing courses and certification in key assistive technology areas, including

  • Integration Specialist CertificationShift logo
  • Navigator Certification
  • Leadership Certification
This program supports the model of Technology First, a mindset that prioritizes technology as a natural support for independence.
 
 

Maryland’s Community AT Libraries are Up and Running!

MDTAP has collaborated with 4 CILs to develop Community AT Libraries across the state! These AT libraries offer a limited selection of assistive technologies for demonstration and loan.
 
Visit the AT libraries online:
 
 

Show me the Money!

A Financial Capability Webinar SeriesA person counts a wad of cash overtop of a bank ledger book.
 
The Maryland Department of Disabilities, Assistive Technology Program and The Maryland CASH Campaign are teaming up to host a series of webinars this October geared at financial wellness and capability for people with disabilities.
 
Topics include ABLE Accounts, Financing AT, Maximizing Benefits, Home Buying, and lots more.
 
Stay tuned for details!
 
 

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AT Solutions for Hearing Loss Webinar

Sep 2nd, 2021 by

AT Solutions For Hearing Loss Webinar

from the MD Department of Disabilities Technology Assistance Program

 
September 21, 2021 @ 2pm – CLICK HERE to register
 
As schools and workplaces re-open, many of us are headed back to business, with or without AT. This session will explore a variety of Assistive Technologies that are available for D/HoH individuals, including visual alert systems, cell and landline phone systems, hearing amplification devices, and more! We’ll explore ways to integrate AT with your current technologies (like turning on captioning in virtual meetings), and much more! We’ll also cover the who, what, and how of the Maryland AT Program and Maryland Accessible Telecommunications – two vital technology programs for Marylanders with disabilities.
 
 
This session is geared toward consumers, educators, providers, agencies and anyone wanting to learn more about AT and AT services.
 
All webinars include live captioning. 
 
If you need additional accommodations, please contact Lori Markland, lori.markland@maryland.gov

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