	December 1994

Updates and Information

Director's Update

Mary Brady, MD TAP Executive Director

Let's Give A Really, Reeaally Big Crab State Welcome To...Louise Bankston, a native New Yorker, has recently joined the TAP team as our Administrative Specialist. Her primary duties are to assist the Executive Director and to oversee procurements. Although having traveled extensively throughout the U.S., she has managed to remain rooted in Maryland since 1979. Her background includes 14 years in an accounting environment, with the last five years managing 3 non-profit organizations simultaneously. Her interests include computers, Hypnotherapy and cloning people in plaster. Welcome aboard, Louise!

A Winner is a Winner is a Winner...

Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities

Cari Watrous, Administrative Assistant

Horseback riding has been my passion and a great part of my life since I began at two years of age. I owned my first horse when I was six. When I finally outgrew my dream of being a jockey, I moved on to giving lessons and training horses. Riding was an integral part of my self-identity.

In January, 1988, I became disabled after contracting viral encephalitis, a virus which attacks the central nervous system. Shortly after beginning rehabilitation, I was unable to focus my eyes, walk or even speak. Several weeks into my daily physical therapy (PT) regimen, I finally asked my neurologist the question that had been haunting me. When could I ride again? It was only question I ever asked him, and his response was definitive and unwelcome -- I'd never ride again. I should consider myself lucky if I could ever walk.

In March, 1992, I started riding lessons with the Carroll County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program. On October 29, 1994, urged by the program, I entered three classes at a local horse show for riders with disabilities. To my great surprise, and even greater pleasure, I won all three classes. Actually, I have to say "we won", the program and I. Without the guidance, support and faith of my instructors, Bob, Mary, Karen, Caroline and Ann, I still wouldn't be riding. I owe them all a huge debt of gratitude. I also owe one to my husband, Jim Buckly, who inspired me to make the initial contact with the program. His love and support brighten my every day.

This program has been a godsend to me in a number of ways. Not only have I regained some of my lost riding skills, participating with the Carroll County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program has given me back an integral part of my identity. My muscles are stronger, I have increased balance, stamina and self-esteem, and it has helped me to remember that there is always room for hope. The medical community doesn't know everything about disabilities and the methods available to adapt activities for people with disabilities. Sometimes, you have to have faith in yourself. With that, who knows? Maybe anything is possible.

Funding Update

Pat Ourand, MD TAP Assistant Director & Funding Specialist

Using Private Insurance to Fund Augmentative Communication

MD TAP is requesting information from consumers and professionals in our state regarding insurance company decisions for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Over the next four to six months, staff of MD TAP will be assembling this knowledge into a resource database. This database will supply historical data (precedents, background information, etc.) from others experience to aid in the pursuit of private insurance funding of AAC devices.

Once compiled, this database will be available to callers on MD TAP's 800 information hotline.

It is the hope of MD TAP that this project will effectively break down barriers to funding for AAC devices for users of all ages and disabilities. If you have information that may be helpful in this project, please call our 800 hotline (800 TECH-TAP / 832-4827). Information will be taken over the phone.

Eastern Shore TAP

Janet Parke, MD TAP Regional Technology Specialist

RecTech Expo III

We're in a state of shock and exhaustion after once again sponsoring an adaptive recreation expo, RecTech Expo III, at the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City, MD. Options for adapted bicycling, fishing, sailing, scuba diving and a whole lot more were presented to an enthusiastic crowd representing all age groups. Watch your mailbox or future issues of Tapping Technology for information about next year's RecTech Expo IV, and remember, in 1995 if you want to Smash It, Pass It, Push It or Splash It, you don't want to Miss It!

Editor's note: If you want to help Plan It (RecTech Expo IV) - contact Janet Parke, MD TAP's Rec Task Force liaison to join our efforts statewide!

Recognition Update

MD TAP celebrated re-authorization October 1, 1994 with an old fashioned western hoe down. During the pickin' and a'grinnin', MD TAP Advisory Committee members were awarded Governor's Citations in recognition of their long standing contributions to the project. In the accompanying photo, (Inkprint edition) Willis Mann, Program Director of the Telecommunications Access of Maryland (TAM) program with the Department of General Services (and sharp looking guy in a cowboy hat), is presented a Governor's Citation by Mary Brady, MD TAP Executive Director. TAM is responsible for direction of the Maryland Relay Service and is working with MD TAP on development of a telecommunications equipment distribution program.


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