Technology Day at the LBPH.

With the creation of the sonography system in 1815 for Napoleon's French army and Louis Braille's revision of it for the blind a few years later, technology for the blind has continually taken many ingenious turns. Though Braille is still perhaps the most widely used form of communication for the blind, new assistive technologies have been created to make communications easier than ever.

As assistive technologies are continuously changing, particularly in the field of computer hardware and software, many organizations are geared at helping the disabled gain their independence through accessible technology. The Maryland Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) addressed these needs for assistive computer technology, as well as offered demonstrations on various software packages, at the third annual Technology Day event on September 8, 2001.

With a focus on the technology needs of the registered patrons of the library, such as those who are legally blind, visually impaired, physically disabled so that they are unable to hold a book, or those with organic reading dysfunctions like dyslexia, various local organizations and technologies were represented. According to Catherine Rubin, the staff specialist as the LBPH, "The goal of Technology Day is to make library patrons more aware of important technology advances that could help them in their daily life and work."

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Susan Yimm, a molecular research biologist with Aberdeen Proving Ground, gave a presentation on a Morse Code system she uses for her work. Yimm, who is also quadriplegic with no speech capabilities, discussed her personal use of assistive technology in her everyday life. After teaching herself Morse Code the first three days she was paralyzed, she has moved on to incorporate a keyboard emulator and thumb switches as part of her daily communications system.

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One of Susan Yimm's forms of communication: a square laminated sheet with commonly used letters and words that resides on the desk connected to the lap of her wheelchair.

BISM, Blind Industries & Services of Maryland, www.bismtech.20m.com, was represented by Jennifer Bopp. With an emphasis on computer software for the blind, Bopp spoke about OpenBook scanning/reading software, Duxbury Brailling software, and available training through BISM, as well as addressing such topics as job seeking and the development of general computer skills. Jennifer also shared information about Directed Technologies Institute, which offers students courses in job retention and skill development.

Mike Berkmire, an employee of LINC, Learning Independence through Computers www.linc.org, which primarily serves people with disabilities, presented information on the JAWS program. JAWS is used by many with vision impairments and tells in speech what's on the screen. Birkmire also spoke about the training available for individuals with disabilities through LINC.

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Mike Birkmire presents information on the JAWS program.

Lastly, but perhaps one of the most important aspects of Technology Day, was Fred Redmer's presentation on assessing the technology needs for the disabled. Redmer discussed the necessary steps to take to determine what technology would best accommodate the individual, such as: determine the needs of the individual; pinpoint what tasks will be addressed; and look at where the technology will be used. For Mr. Redmer, from the Maryland Rehabilitation Center, the key to placing the correct assistive technology with the individual rests in understanding both the needs and the capabilities of that person.

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Fred Redmer provides information on assessing technology needs.

With a crowd of nearly 35 people packed into the LBPH seminar room, Technology Day proved to be not just informative but fun as well. By addressing the concerns and needs of the patrons, LBPH is addressing the growing need to keep the community informed of new and changing assistive technology as it evolves. The computer software and the training opportunities presented are not just for occasional use but are necessary to the everyday communications of those with various visual handicaps. And through these seminars, assistive technology is helping to make communication, the most vital human function, universal.

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*LBPH will be offering a Parent's Technology Day in November to help patrons' parents learn more about assitive technology for their children.

If you are interested in becoming a patron of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, please call the main telephone number: 410-230-2424 or toll free for MD, DC, and Virginia: 1-800-964-9209.
Log on to the website at: www.lbph.lib.md.us

There is no charge to become a patron and an application can be filled out on the website.