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TAP, Meet TAP: The Technology Access Program at Gallaudet

Oct 6th, 2011 by

At the Web Accessibility Day Conference held on at the National Federation of the Blind on September 19, I had the good fortune of meeting Paula Tucker and Dr. Christian Vogler from the “other” TAP – the Technology Access Program of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

While we share the same name and interest in assistive technology, MD TAP and TAP at Gallaudet have different missions and program goals.  Dr. Vogler, the program’s director, was kind enough to send along the following information about his
program:

“The Technology Access Program (TAP) conducts research related to communication technologies and services, with the goal of producing knowledge useful to industry, government, and deaf and hard of hearing consumers in the quest for equality in communications. More information can be found at http://tap.gallaudet.edu/.”

“TAP is well-known for its work, and is regularly asked for and provides advice and comments to disability organizations and regulatory bodies in its core research areas, with a direct effect on technologies, practices, policies and standards.”

TAP of Gallaudet collaborates with partners around the world on a number of projects. Currently, it is very involved in activities that promote accessibility in telecommunications, including ensuring access to emergency (9-1-1) services, hearing aid compatibility for wireless telephones, real-time texting, video relay services, and the adoption of accessibility features in cell phones for deaf and hard of hearing users.

Posted in Education, Maryland, MD Technology Assistance Program, Things to Know Thursday | No Comments »

Equal Web Access for All: Web Accessibility Training Day

Oct 5th, 2011 by

On September 19, MD TAP and the National Federation of the Blind presented the Web Accessibility Training Day conference, with support from the Maryland State Department of Information Technology.

The conference focused on the technical and legal aspects of making websites accessible. Website accessibility means making sure websites can be accessed by persons with disabilities, including:

  •  Blind, low-vision, and print-disabled computer users who use screen magnifiers, screen readers, Braille displays, or other
    assistive technology to help them read print online
  • Deaf or hard of hearing computer users who need captioning to understand videos and other audio messages on websites
  • Mobility-impaired computer users who may  have trouble using a traditional mouse or keyboard
  • Computer users who are sensitive to flashing lights
  • Making websites accessible to persons with disabilities ensures equal access to online classes, financial and medical records, job postings and applications, information about government services, and many other internet-based resources.

The conference was attended by IT professionals and policymakers from local, state, and federal government, advocacy groups, and private businesses. The conference speakers came from some of the big names in web accessibility and policy.  For a list
of the conference speakers, as well as access to the amazing materials shared during the Web Accessibility Day, visit the Web Accessibility Training Day website (http://www.nfb.org/nfb/web_accessibility_day.asp).

MD TAP has several web accessibility-related projects. We have a directory of web designers who are available to provide accessibility consultation, and we email weekly web accessibility tips to a  select mailing list.  If you are interested in seeing the web consultants directory, being included in the consultants directory, or signing up for our weekly web tips, visit the “AT Resources” section of our website at http://www.mdtap.org

You can also find additional information about web accessibility on the Department of Information Technology website under their section on Non-Visual Access (http://doit.maryland.gov/policies/Pages/nva.aspx).

Web accessibility continues to be a hot legal and technical issue. Over the next couple of weeks, continue to check out our Web Accessibility Wednesdays as we feature an overview of different laws and regulations that mandate web accessibility.

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT and the Law, Blind/Low Vision Aids , Communication Aids, Conferences, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Aids, Education, Information Technology, Learning Aids, Maryland, Maryland Department of Disabilities, MD Technology Assistance Program, MDTAP Events, Mobility Aids, Policy, Web Accessibility, Web Tip Wednesday | No Comments »

The Sun Will Come Out… And Charge Your AT Device? : Solar Power Chargers

Oct 4th, 2011 by

September was National Preparedness Month. As part of those activities, MD TAP attended the FEMA Region III Summit on Emergency Management and Assistive Technology Reuse. (http://www.passitoncenter.org/EmergencyManagement/EMATReuseSummitFEMARegionIII.aspx).
Today’s tech tip comes from that conference.

If the power goes out due to bad weather or some other problem, how do you recharge your phone, tablet, and AT devices? A traditional charger that relies on electricity won’t work.

One solution for this problem could be getting a solar power charger.

Solar-power chargers are not assistive technology, but can be used to help you keep small, battery-powered assistive technology devices charged when the power goes out.  Solar power chargers use solar energy to recharge batteries or power devices that
connect using a USB cable. Not only can these chargers be useful in an emergency, but they are also popular with people who like outdoor activities such as camping, and people who want a more environmentally-friendly way to charge their technology.

Solar-power chargers vary in strength and price.  Some of the smaller, more inexpensive ones can be used to recharge AAA or AA batteries. Some of the higher powered ones can recharge items such as cell phones, mp3 players, and laptops. Depending on what
you would need the charger for, the price can range from under $20 to several hundred dollars. Solar power chargers can be found online and in a variety of stores.

If you want to have a solar power charger as a back-up, it’s important that you find one capable of charging your particular device.  These chargers won’t work for all AT devices. And they won’t be useful during a hurricane or a big snowstorm, so it’s also a good idea to keep fully-charged back-up batteries on hand for non-sunny emergencies!

 

Posted in Assistive Technology, Emergency Preparedness, MD Technology Assistance Program, Tech Tip Tuesday | No Comments »

World of Possibilities Expo: Mystery Mondays!

Oct 3rd, 2011 by

Welcome to Mystery Mondays, where we’ll share information about upcoming events, future technology prototypes, guest blog articles, and much more!

Each year MDTAP has the opportunity to take part in the World of Possibilities Expo, a disability-centered event hosted by Caring Communities. Offered twice a year, the World of Possibilities Expo features exhibits and vendors that provide various disability-related services. And coming this week, World of Possibilities will be teaming up with the Baltimore County Seniors and Baby Boomers Expo at the Timonium Fairgrounds on October 5-6th to bring a variety of vendors to the Baltimore community. This year will feature agencies, organizations, and vendors that provide services, goods and supports for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Seniors can learn more about statewide resources and services from the Maryland Department of Aging. Additionally, MD TAP can provide opportunities to see & try assistive technology, access resources home modifications, gain access to used & refurbished technology and durable medical equipment, and much more! Feel free to visit our website for more information or  visit our booth to pick up some of our program materials, meet our staff, see & try a small selection of AT devices, and take a few low-tech AT freebies home with you!

Posted in Assistive Technology, Conferences, MD Technology Assistance Program, MDTAP Events, Mystery Monday | No Comments »

Weekly Wrap-up Friday 9/30/2011

Sep 30th, 2011 by

A look at this week’s AT news…

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT News, Maryland, MD Technology Assistance Program, Weekly Wrap-up Friday | No Comments »

Weekly Wrap Up Friday

Sep 23rd, 2011 by

This week in AT News…for September 20 – 23rd, 2011

 

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT News, Maryland, MD Technology Assistance Program, Weekly Wrap-up Friday | No Comments »

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