Tapping Technology - December 1994

	December 1994

EDITOR'S NOTE:
When we asked Jeff Silverman to be the first Guest editor for TAPPING TECHNOLOGY, he was overwhelmed and honored, (of course!). As a consumer of assistive technology, a dedicated State Employee, an active member of MD TAP's Advisory Committee for five years, and a student of Government and Public Policy at the University of Baltimore, who better to introduce this issue of TAPPING TECHNOLOGY, focused on "The Politics of AT" than our old friend, Jeff. Being very busy (of course!) Jeff waited until the last possible moment to review the articles and offer his comments, which follow. We leave it to TAPPING TECHNOLOGY readers to witness this hyperactive student, employee and man-about-town working best, as usual, under pressure!

This issue of TAPPING TECHNOLOGY is quite timely. As Marylanders, we went to the polls last month to cast our votes, joining millions of other Americans across the U.S. American citizens everywhere are exercising their rights daily. Our right to vote, our right to free speech, our rights to be free and have liberty to be independent, are all practiced during an election year. Exercising our voting rights is a wonderful way to affirm the American Constitution and our democratic form of government.

This issue focuses in on different aspects of politics and issues relating to disability. We'll look at a coalition to establish a telecommunications equipment loan program, a call for Federal legislators to make themselves accessible electronically as well as my article, "Breaking the Tragedy of the Commons - Stepping/Wheeling into Reality." These three articles are complemented by a wealth of additional information including a Winter '95 calendar of events, workshops and seminars related to assistive technology. What a selection!!

Remember if you read something in here that you agree with or disagree with, there is no better a way to exercise your rights to free speech than to voice your opinion, and become involved with issues which are important to you, your families, co-workers, communities and the State as a whole. It is actions, however, and not only words that get the job accomplished. First, we must speak up, then we must follow-through with action. As Guest Editor of this issue of TAPPING TECHNOLOGY, I welcome your comments concerning the ideas and opinions expressed in this newsletter, as well as information and comments on any other issues which relate to assistive technology and disability, Upcoming editions will zoom in on: AT and Family Values (March); Braille and Other Literacy Issues (June); The MDs of AT (Sept.) and AT in Space (Dec.). Guest Editor positions for these issues are open!

Share this newsletter and information with others. May you all have a wonderful holiday season and best of New Years!!


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