Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

Do you have a child who is 14 and has a disability or special healthcare need? Does the thought of your child’s life after school make you nervous? We can help!

Click here to apply to Pre-Guiding the Journey to learn about the transition process and transition planning.

Application due April 3, 2023!

During this training, parents will:

• Understand their changing role;

• Learn about IEP Transition Planning;

• Develop a vision* and transition action plan for your youth;

• And so much more…

  *Charting the LifeCourse tools will be used

Important Dates

Application due: April 3

Orientation: April 12

12pm – 1pm or 7pm – 8pm

Training: April 22 and 29

9:30am – 12:30pm

(Must attend all sessions and one orientation session)

Click here to register!

Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking youth town hall that will shed light on the challenges facing young people with disabilities in school. Join us on Thursday, March 30th at 6PM ET as a panel of insightful speakers share their experiences and provide practical advice on how adults can shift their practices to better support students with disabilities. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to listen, learn, and take action.

REGISTER NOW

Accessibility Seminar: The Accessibility of Google Workspace March 22, 2023, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET

Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. via Zoom

Register today for the Google Workspace Seminar

Google’s web-based productivity suite is an attractive alternative to Microsoft Office. Screen reader users can easily use Google Workspace, which includes tools for ensuring the accessibility of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations for users with disabilities. Join us as we explore Google Workspace, demonstrate how its applications work with screen readers, and review some best practices for creating accessible content.

If your organization uses Google Workspace and you need to ensure the accessibility of your content, or if you use a screen reader, you won’t want to miss this training opportunity!

Accessibility Boutique: The Accessibility of Remote Access Software March 28, 2023, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET

Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom

Register today for the Remote Access Software boutique

Do you need to use remote access at work? Many professions require remotely engaging with others’ computers, and vice versa. Some remote access clients are partially accessible, only working with one screen reader, and the rest are not useable by the blind. Partially accessible clients require that both participants run the same screen-reader. Pneuma Solutions—a third party alternative—created Scribe for Meetings, an accessible means of remote desktop access. Remote Incident Manager (RIM) is the most accessible remote access tool available. Attend this boutique to dig into all of the options.

If you use a screen reader and find yourself needing to train your customers remotely, or if you would find it convenient to connect to a friend or family member’s computer at a distance.

MDOD and the Ethan Saylor Alliance Steering Committee Announce Request for Proposals (RFP) Community Impact Grants to Improve Interactions with Law Enforcement/First Responders and People with I/DD.

MDOD will be accepting funding requests from $1,000-$5,000 from organizations that propose creative and innovative ways to improve the relationships between Marylanders with I/DD and law enforcement or other first responder communities.

THE NEW DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS MONDAY, MARCH 13TH.

Examples of projects selected could include conducting joint trainings, organizing ride-a-longs, hosting parties or fitness events, assembling and disseminating disability awareness kits, or other ideas. Please be creative. We will award grants based on the most meaningful use of funds that would make the most impact. Winning proposals will be sure to include people with I/DD in the brainstorming, planning and implementation of the proposed intervention. Use this as an opportunity to tap into the unique skills and contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more information and to download the brief application, visit our website at mdod.maryland.gov. If you have any questions, please contact MDOD’s Community Living Policy Director, Jennifer Eastman at Jennifer.eastman@maryland.gov. 

Watch our video release here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFrn1mVYt0Y

To cap off National Engineers Week, the IMAGE Center of Maryland is pleased to premiere “Engineering Beyond the Books”. This fascinating three-episode series captures the lives of three students from three universities as they tackle their last semester in college. Students share their engineering inspirations, “back-home” memories, and their excitement of designing for someone with a disability. Watch their engineering designs come-to-life as we shadow the students through mid-terms, manufacturing, project delivery, and graduation. It’s a real-world experience for them and all of our VME students (appx. over 100 students per year)! Grab a snack and beverage. Share with a friend! ENJOY!

Episode 1 – Premiered Friday, Feb 24 

Ep 2: March 31

Ep 3: May 31

WATCH NOW!