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mATchup

Mar 11th, 2019 by

Hello, Andrew here!  I am the newest member of the MDTAP Assistive Technology team and this is my first of many blog posts!  

mATchup - Maryland Assistive Technology Connection Hub

I would like to introduce you all to a very cool (and free) resource that can assist with the assistive technology consideration process.  The resource is called mATchup and is a web-based tool that was created by the Johns Hopkins Center for Technology in Education (CTE). mATchup allows the respective user to select an area of need e.g. writing and then a range of potential  high tech and low tech solutions are presented. The tool categorizes the potential area of need into eight areas: Academic; Writing, Auditory; Organization; Vision; Communication; Seating & Positioning and mobility; and Independent living.  All of the aforementioned categories reference tools, devices, apps, and other solutions that would aid the respective end user with their specific area of need. Personally, I can see mATchup being a great resource for families learning about the AT consideration process for a child with a disability or as a guiding tool for school team without an assistive technology specialist on staff!  Remember to like this post and share it with your friends!

CLICK HERE TO SEE:  mATchup

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT News, Education, Learning Aids, MD Technology Assistance Program | No Comments »

Glucometer that talks to you!

Mar 8th, 2019 by

Prodigy Voice® – A Talking Glucometer

By: Joel Hosner, MDTAP Advisory Council Consumer Representative

People with vision impairments can measure their blood sugar with the Prodigy Voice Talking Glucometer! The Prodigy Voice is the only meter to receive the Access Award from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and an Access Plus Award from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The Access Plus Award is only given to products that give blind patients the same usability that a sighted person would have. The Prodigy Voice is fully audible, both in setup mode and during testing, and has tactile features for ease of use and navigation. Prodigy Voice requires no coding, and once a test strip is inserted, the machine powers on automatically. The Prodigy voice also has an audio jack for discreet use of the talking function, as well as a USB port to download reading results.

The Prodigy Voice is available online for around $40. For more information, check out the web page for the Prodigy Voice through this link: http://www.prodigymeter.com/health-care-professionals/diabetic-supplies/prodigy-voice-talking-glucose-meter/. The Prodigy Voice can be purchased on Amazon through this link: https://www.amazon.com/Prodigy-Voice-Totally-Audible-Vision/dp/B004DJG0VW?SubscriptionId=AKIAJ2RJRL2O5UPIY6LA&tag=cs-blog-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B004DJG0VW&ascsubtag=blood-glucose-meters.close up of Prodigy Talking glucometer

Posted in MD Technology Assistance Program | No Comments »

Spend equipment dollars wisely!

Mar 7th, 2019 by

Everyone has limited budgets and needs their dollars to stretch further than ever before.  But as more technology becomes available individuals, school systems, providers, etc have a hard time keeping pace.  Thank goodness for AT Discount Sales and Services and the founder, Amanda Cheong.  Amanda truly believes in the power assistive technology offers individuals with disabilities for a better quality of life and more independence.  She founded AT Discount Sales & Services as a way to help get that needed AT into people’s hands.  Their mission is to provide product information and available discounts on assistive technology and related products as well as services for schools, organizations, families and community agencies serving individuals with disabilities.  You tell Amanda what you need, and she finds the best price or discount for you!  Who doesn’t want the best price for equipment??  

Check out the website:  http://www.atdiscount.net/

Amanda isn’t just bringing her 19 years at AT experience to the table.  Her dedication and passion for the field grew out of her experience of witnessing how her daughter, Kristin, and countless others she has been involved with have been able to improve their participation with their families, peers, and studies through assistive technology.  

AT Discount Sales & Services, with help from MDTAP, is expanding its reach to all parts of the state!  Amanda is available to assist school systems or agencies looking to purchase AT from any region in Maryland including the Eastern Shore, Western and Southern Maryland.  To get started, you can email Amanda at:  amanda@atdiscount.net

 

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT Funding, AT News, MD Technology Assistance Program, Things to Know Thursday | No Comments »

IT Accessibility Coordinator Position

Mar 6th, 2019 by

The State of Maryland is hiring a IT Accessibility Coordinator.  This position will be co-located between MD Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) and the Department of Information Technology (DoIT).  

The state is seeking an experienced IT accessibility specialist who can help state agencies select the most accessible products and systems and help provide accessible solutions to existing state technology.  The IT Accessibility Coordinator will provide technical assistance with identified DoIT staff to ensure that State information technology services and systems are accessible to people with disabilities. Specifically, this position is responsible for identifying potential accessibility issues and compliance violations and coordinating solutions with State agency IT and/or procurement staff. The position involves providing training and creating guidelines to be used by procurement and/or IT staff. 

For more information and job posting, CLICK HERE

DEADLINE IS MARCH 12TH!!

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT News, MD Technology Assistance Program, Web Accessibility | No Comments »

Talking Thermometer

Mar 1st, 2019 by

A Talking Medical Thermometer for People with Vision Impairmentsthermometer in case and box next to case

 

By: Joel Hosner, MDTAP Advisory Council Consumer Representative

People with vision impairments can measure their body temperature, or take the temperature of a child, with the Advocate Infrared Thermometer! No sight is needed to use the Advocate because it reads the temperature reading out loud through a speaker. The thermometer is used by simply holding the device 2-3.75 inches away from a person’s forehead, pressing a button, and the body temperature reading is spoken in English or Spanish in less than one second. This method is convenient and more hygienic because the thermometer does not need to come in contact with the person who may be sick. The thermometer can even measure the ambient temperature of a room. The Advocate is less than 6 inches long and a storage case is included.

 

The Advocate Infrared Thermometer retails at $29.99 but can be purchased for as little as $20.49 through Overstock.com.

For more information, check out the Advocate Infrared Thermometer’s website: https://advocatemeters.com/advocate-non-contact-infrared-thermometer/.

Check out these links to purchase online: https://www.overstock.com/Health-Beauty/Advocate-Non-contact-Infrared-Speaking-Thermometer/12089220/product.html

https://www.amazon.com/Advocate-Infrared-Thermometer-Forehead-Technology/dp/B016CGJT8E

Posted in MD Technology Assistance Program | No Comments »

Fond Farewell to Executive Director Jim McCarthy

Feb 27th, 2019 by

It’s with mixed emotions that we announce that Jim McCarthy is leaving the Maryland Technology Assistance Program.  MDOD Secretary Carol Beatty has appointed Lori Markland as the Acting Executive Director of MD TAP effective 2/27. 

Jim has served as the Executive Director of MDTAP for 5 years, and will now be working with the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration, joining the team that provides federal guidance to the Randolph-Sheppard Program of blind vendors. We’re all sorry to see him leave, but know that he’ll make a great contribution to this program.  Our loss is surely their gain. 

Lori Markland has been with the State for approximately 17 years and is currently the Director of Access Maryland and Accessibility Programs for MDTAP.  She also served as the Communications Manager for Maryland ABLE, an investment plan for people with disabilities. With extensive experience in the disability field, communications, marketing, and program management, Lori has a breadth of experience related to assistive technology, disability services, and accessible information technology. She holds a BA and MFA from the University of Baltimore.  The wealth of experience and knowledge she brings to the position will help ensure that MD TAP continues to serve people throughout the state without any disruption.

Posted in Maryland Department of Disabilities, MD Technology Assistance Program | No Comments »

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