Tapping Technology - Proposal for Continuation

	September 1998

A Proposal for Continuation of Assistive Technology Initiatives in the State of Maryland

July 1998

I. Assistive Technology is an essential tool for Maryland's citizens. In the next century of technological advances, it will be an even more invaluable aid to education, employment, moving about our communities, and communicating with others.

II. Assistive Technologies (AT) can allow us to continue to live in our own homes, and to be actively involved members of our communities, learning, working, enjoying and taking part in all the state has to offer.

III. Across the country and throughout the world, advances in assistive technology and Universal Design will continue to play a significant role in increasing individual options for economic success and personal independence in an aging society.

History of the Assistive Technology Initiative in Maryland

Within Maryland, The Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities (OID) has maintained a cross-disability, cross-ages, cross-services mandate for equal access and equity. With OID as its lead agency, the Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) has been designated to specifically focus on the opportunities afforded citizens with disabilities by emerging and complex technologies, such as computers in the workplace, advanced telecommunications and media applications, and the Internet. From young children in special education to seniors in day care or assisted living programs, Assistive Technology has provided exciting new opportunities. For the past nine years, the Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) has been a focal point in our state for these efforts.

MD TAP is a Federal Grant to the State that is reaching its "sunset" funding period. The program was initially funded in 1989 at $500,000 per year, and during the next nine years has received highly positive evaluations and increased support from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) , resulting in a budget which grew to a high of $825,000 in 1996. During the last two years of the grant, coinciding with the State fiscal years of 1997-99, federal funding levels have decreased to half that level, with no Federal funding currently authorized for the year 2000.

Continuation funding of MD TAP under OID is essential to provide the continuity to leverage the federal seed grant, and to provide a lean and effective program building on the accomplishments of the first ten years under federal funding.

Accomplishments of the Maryland Tech Act Program

1. Information and referral, via a toll free number, TTY access and website.

Instant access to electronic databases, print materials and information which is difficult or impossible to find anywhere else. An extensive network of clinicians, consumers and business community contacts keeps Marylanders in touch with the latest developments.

Over 25,000 individual consumer responses processed.

2. Adaptive equipment demonstrations, loans, and grants for organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

The Assistive Technology Loan Program, a fiscal loan program, developed in partnership with First National Bank of Md., provides low interest loans to assist persons with disabilities who require specialized financial services to obtain assistive technology.

Over $3,000,000 in grants and contracts issued for this purpose.

3. Training programs enhancing the use of adaptive technologies for persons with disabilities.

Regional technology demonstration and loan centers in Baltimore City, Frederick and Washington Counties and Salisbury, serving as outreach sites to employers, educators and consumers, ensuring that an AT expertise is available throughout the state.

Over 15,000 individuals received training across the state

4. Protection and advocacy services for school-aged children with disabilities who require technology to communicate and to benefit from their education.

A 5-year sub-grant totaling over $300,000 provided information to parents about their rights and responsibilities within the educational system.

Over 300 individual cases successfully managed since 1995.

5. Legislative advocacy and public/private, inter-agency collaboration regarding issues of emerging technologies ("Systems Change Initiatives")

Critical consultation provided to independent and state agencies serving blind, deaf and developmentally disabled individuals and their families.

Spearheading the passage of a Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Enforcement Act: Maryland's first-ever, AT "Lemon Law" assures consumers that critically necessary equipment will function, and that the Durable Medical Equipment dealers doing business in Maryland will comply with national standards.

Collaboration and financial support of an innovative leading edge technology for the blind, The National Newsline Service, which provides the world's first automated daily newspaper reading service utilizing state-of-the-art technologies.

Maryland Arts Access Inc., a not-for-profit agency, was established through the funding and leadership of MD TAP, to provide consultation and direct services to arts organizations, giving access to arts and cultural activities by Maryland citizens and visitors with disabilities.

The Challenge

Continuing to provide Maryland's consumers with excellent I & R, Equipment Demonstrations and Loans, Training, Advocacy, and leadership in Systems Change for Assistive Technology issues requires resources. Under budgetary reductions of the past several years, all of the Maryland Technology Assistance Program's functions have been reduced, with a resultant reduction in services. As a result, consumers may wait longer for a response, training, or loan of equipment and critical needs may go unmet. Policy issues which require constant vigilance may proceed to resolution without input from consumers or technology experts.

The formulation of wise public policy in this complex arena requires sufficient resources devoted specifically to this mission. Unless funds are appropriated, these gains, including new initiatives which have just begun to bear fruit, will be lost in a very short time. The State must act proactively to preserve and build upon the advances created by the program to date.

As the global and national economies become increasingly technology-based and Maryland seeks to continue its leadership role in the "National Information Infrastructure", it is imperative that the disabled community not be left behind. The state has an important continuing role to play in assuring that this happens. MD TAP's staff, Advisory Committee and affiliated consumer organizations represent every disability perspective in the state, and have often collaborated to supply technical expertise for State Information Technology projects, procurement issues, and issues impacting schools and the workplace.

Plan of Action

There is a need to provide a permanent funding base for the continuation of MD TAP's mission within the Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities, so that the gains that have been realized will not disappear with reductions in Federal funding. We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, recommend

I. Continuation of the Maryland Technology Assistance Program as a statewide, consumer-driven system, managed and directed by an Advisory Committee representative of all disability groups and perspectives.

II. Development and implementation of an educational/public relations campaign which will increase the awareness of elected officials and the public as to the value (both from an economic and quality of life perspective) of assistive technology.

III. Support and funding for the following AT initiatives at both the Federal and State levels:

Federal Level:

1. We salute the leadership of Representative Constance Morella in sponsoring The Assistive Technology and Universally Designed Technology Improvement Act for Individuals with Disabilities (HR 4063; S 2173), and request the Maryland Congressional Delegation to lead the nation in supporting passage of this bill, under which:

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is amended to provide for research and development of assistive technology and universally designed technology, and for other purposes which will benefit the citizens of our state.

2. We request the Maryland Congressional Delegation to support Reauthorization of the Technology Related Assistance Act to include the following provisions:

Every state and territory currently receiving funding under Title I of the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act will receive a full ten years funding under that Act, maintaining all of the program and funding requirements of that Act.

Upon completion of the ten year funding cycle for Title I of the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, each state and territory shall be eligible for continuation of federal support, contingent upon demonstrated success in meeting the goals of the program.

State Level:

1. We urge the Administration to make a commitment to request the allocation of sufficient State matching funds to ensure the Maryland Technology Assistance Program's continued existence and access to federal funds through the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1998; and

2. In the event that federal legislation is not secured, we request that the Administration urge the allocation of sufficient State general funding to ensure a continued presence of the Maryland Technology Assistance Program within State government.

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