Maryland Department of Disabilities
Jun 25th, 2014 by MDTAP Blog
Voice Control Software and Image Alternative Text
To activate links on a page, users of voice control software, such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking, speak the visible link text. When an image is linked, the alternative text of that image can be spoken to activate that link. When an image presents graphical text, the alternative text of the image should match the visible text to ensure voice control software users can easily activate that link.
Jun 24th, 2014 by MDTAP Blog
Contributed by Joel Zimba, Special Projects Coordinator, MDTAP
One kind of assistive technology we rarely mention is the accessible voting machine. Primary Voting Day in Maryland is today, June 24. You can check with the Board of Elections to see if your polling place is accessible using this link: http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/accessibility.html
The touch-screen voting machines used by the state have many accessibility features. The displays offer high-contrast and larger text options as well as adjustable settings for a more suitable viewing angle. The machines can be operated while in a seated position. A set of headphones and an external keypad will be provided in order to use the voting machine with an audio interface.
If you have any disability-related issues while voting, you can contact the Maryland Disability Law Center at: 410-727-6352, ext. 2507.
Jun 23rd, 2014 by MDTAP Blog
Contributed by Provi Sharpe, Director of Emergency Management and Reuse Projects, MDTAP
Financing Assistive Technology (AT) – Some New Resources
Financing AT can be very expensive. Here is short list of specific, helpful resources. For more in-depth information and additional resources, contact MDTAP at 1-800-832-4827.
The Eric Fund is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit, that awards grants twice a year for assistive technology for children and adults with disabilities in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, based on financial need. Visit The Eric Fund or contact them at (301) 654-1547
The Miracle Ear Foundation has expanded their services to include adults as well as children in need of hearing aids. Visit The Miracle Ear Foundation or call (800) 464-8002.
Medicare Part A coverage includes hospital care, home care; Medicare Part B coverage includes medically necessary services, durable medical equipment. Visit Medicare.gov for more information.
As part of iCanConnect, the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) enables low-income individuals who are deaf-blind to have access to the internet, and advanced communications, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services. For more information visit www.iCanConnect.org or call (800) 825-4595 (Voice) or (888) 320-2656 (TTY). For information on how to apply for iCanConnect in Maryland contact Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, 8720 Georgia Ave, Suite #210, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 or email them at fsweatt@clb.org or call (240) 737-5109
Jun 18th, 2014 by MDTAP Blog
Evaluating Alternative Text
When evaluating the alternative text of images, remember that the alternative text (whether in the image’s alt attribute or in adjacent text) should convey the content and function of an image. Asking the question, “If the image could not be used, what text would replace the image?” is often a good way to determine appropriate alternative text. First, view the alternative text along with the image. Is the alternative text equivalent to the content of the image? Second, disable images and view the alternative text in place of the image and consider if the alternative text makes sense in its context and reading position within the page.
Jun 17th, 2014 by MDTAP Blog
Contributed by Joel Zimba, Special Projects Coordinator, MDTAP
It’s that time of year again. In the days leading up to the NFB (National Federation of the Blind) and ACB (American Council for the Blind) conventions, Assistive Technology companies begin announcing new products and upgrades. Today, we have one of each on the menu.
Users of the Hims line of notetakers will be pleased to know about the release of Sense Notetaker V8.1. A Facebook interface has been added to the Social Networking menu as well as various password functions. A macro function, which scripts sequential functions has also been added. There are also many improvements to the wireless connectivity and file manager menus. This version will run on all current models of Hims notetakers including the BrailleSense On-Hand, which MDTAP staff would be delighted to demonstrate.
In other news, BAUM USA, just announced the VarioUltra, a new line of portable Braille displays. VarioUltra will come in 20 and 40-cell models. Of note is the ability to easily switch between five previously paired devices. On the software side, VarioUltra will sport notetaker functionality, as well as a PDF viewer and scientific calculator. BAUM USA claims the VarioUltra is the lightest Braille display on the market—thanks in part to its brushed aluminum chassis. Pricing and availability will doubtless be forthcoming.
The MDTAP ship will be struggling to stay afloat as the waves of the 2014 product tsunami continues. We will report in regularly via smoke signals and blog posts once we’re sure this bucket of bolts is going to stay in one piece.
Jun 16th, 2014 by MDTAP Blog
www.HCBSadvocacy.org is a platform for the aging and disability communities to post information and resources regarding the new HCBS settings rule and steps each state is making to comply with the new rule. Click on a state or choose from the list provided to see resources, dates and deadlines, state documents, news, and other information from that state.
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