	November 1998

Glendening-Townsend On Disability Issues Assistive Technology

Governor Parris N. Glendening on the issue...

"Technology has the potential to open up the world to the people of Maryland. We must make sure it is accessible and available to all our citizens."
Technology Showcase
December, 1996

"Clearly, technology is the resource of the future for so many people with disabilities. We must make sure we maximize its availability for those who can benefit from it."
Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Annual Conference
April 26, 1996

Technology has become one of the primary forces for economic activity, education and innovation in the State, the Nation, and even throughout the world. Technology has come to be an increasingly important factor in all of our lives, in business, in the work of government, in communication, in education, etc. Its impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities has been as important, if not more so, because in many instances, it is the vehicle through which an individual with a disability is able to live independently, work, enjoy inclusion and integration into all aspects of the mainstream of American society.

How many people think of a pen or pencil as assistive technology? Everything a person uses during a day to perform necessary tasks can be seen as assistive technology. A person with a disability may use assistive technology appearing more complex or different, but it is just as necessary to help that person get through the day.

During our second term, the Glendening-Townsend Administration will:

Work with our Congressional delegation to promote the passage of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 to ensure continued federal funding to the states for an array of services and programs for individuals with disabilities who benefit from assistive technology
Provide sufficient State general funding to both ensure a continued presence for the Maryland Technology Assistance Program and be able to access the federal funding if and when it becomes available
Develop partnerships with organizations of disabled persons to utilize the expertise of these organizations in the design of information technology to ensure accessibility
Adopt regulations to implement the recently passed legislation ensuring nonvisual access to information technology (SB 240, 1998)
Work collaboratively with various disability organizations to ensure effective universal access in the development of future information kiosks
Encourage SABEL and local boards of elections to utilize new technologies so all polling places have one accessible voting system.

"Our aggressive approach to technology has been a hallmark of my Administration from day one. It is all part of our vision: Making Maryland the best place to live, work raise a child and have that child reach his or her full potential"
Maryland Technology Showcase
Breakfast with the Governor
December 3, 1997

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