Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

Introduction to ABLE Accounts
ABLE Accounts will offer important new savings options for Marylanders with disabilities. Learn how this resource can benefit your relative, complement a Special Needs Trust, and be accessed now.

Speaker: Brian Cox, Executive Director, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council

The Future of Maryland’s Center-Based Vocational Services
Over the next few years, the Developmental Disabilities Administration is moving away from center-based vocational service in favor of supported employment, supported volunteer work, and community based activities. Hear what’s coming, how one agency already made this transition, and how you can help plan.

Speakers: Nicole Hazel, Director of Vocational Services and Toni Webster, HR Director, Arc Northern Chesapeake Region with a special guest to discuss DDA Plans
RSVP by October 31, 2016 with payment.

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

Technology Solutions Conference, 10/19/16

Oct 19th, 2016 by MDTAP Blog

Technology Solutions for Early Childhood Conference

November 29, 2016

8:30am – 2:00pm

Join thought leaders in early childhood development and assistive technology (AT) at this CTD symposium for policy makers, national association staff, researchers, family advocates, and others. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), participants will learn about evidence-based practices, interesting research being conducted, and ways in which families are successfully using technology to support the developmental and learning needs of their children.

Join the CTD at the site-based symposium in Washington, DC or via the event’s live streaming. There is no registration fee! More information online!

DETAILS….

The symposium will be keynoted by Bill Klein of the TLC television program, The Little Couple. Three panels – Research, Research-to-Practice, and Family Perspectives – will address issues that are key to successful use of technology with young children with disabilities or at risk of developing disabilities. Throughout the day on-site participants will have hands-on activities, while remote participants will receive instructions on how they might create their own activities. Following an informal lunch, participants will have the opportunity to network with each other and with panelists and to look at assistive technology devices more closely.

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT Events, AT News, Conferences, Education, MD Technology Assistance Program, Web Tip Wednesday | No Comments »

AT Toolkits Statewide, 10/18/16

Oct 18th, 2016 by MDTAP Blog

MDTAP is pleased to have issued six AT Toolkits housed at six Centers for Independent Living throughout the state. Each toolkit will include a variety of devices available for demonstration to constituents in their communities.

To find out what assistive technology will be included in your local AT Toolkit and how to access the devices for demonstration, contact your local Center for Independent Living.

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT Events, AT Funding, MD Technology Assistance Program, Tech Tip Tuesday | No Comments »

Surviving the Journey workshops, 10/17/16

Oct 17th, 2016 by MDTAP Blog

Surviving the Journey – Parent Workshop Series @ Lollipop Kids Foundation

Workshop Topics – Thursday evenings @ 7

October 13:    Diagnosis. Now What?
October 20:    It Takes a Team
October 27:    Keys to Acceptance
November 10:    Managing Expectations
November 17:    Assistive Devices
December 1:    Advocate the Right Way
December 8:    What They Don’t Tell You About Transition

December 15: Maintaining Balance

Surviving the Journey, an 8-week parent workshop series, focuses on real-life strategies designed to help navigate the various paths along the journey of raising a child with disabilities. This workshop is specifically geared towards parents of children or adults with special health care needs.

For more information, email info@lollipopkidsfoundation.org or call (202) 640-2035.

Location:
Lollipop Kids Foundation
20 Southlawn Court, Suite D, Rockville, MD 20850Cost:
$100 per person/$150 per couple/$20 single session
*Limited scholarships available.

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT Events, Conferences, Education, Mystery Monday | No Comments »

AT News Wrap Up, 10/14/16

Oct 14th, 2016 by MDTAP Blog

AT, in and of itself, can be utterly glamorous. Case in point- exoskeletons, self driving cars, self lacing shoes, etc. But it’s also making lesser obvious impacts, such as helping women with low vision apply makeup, or using facial recognition apps to help alzheimers patients. The world of technology is far reaching and it’s effecting change from the smallest of tasks to the largest. You can read about all of these changes right here – AT in the news for the week of 10/10 thru 10/14

There are several apps from RJ Cooper that are free for a short time. Check them out before the offer ends!

New exoskeleton helps disabled people get back on their feet

Pittsburgh firms on front line of robotics technology revolution

Disabled teen drives with new technology

It’s not only engineers who work in robotics

How tech can promote diversity in the workplace

Assistive technology features products, apps designed to benefit students

Assistive Technology expo returns to UMass Medical School

Low-Cost Breakthrough in a Refreshable Braille Device

ABLE accounts, a savings plan for people with disabilities, help parents plan for their childrens’ futures

Is there a “business imperative” for hiring adults with autism?

Disabled teen drives with new technology