Event Reviews

• MD Tech Showcase, 2002

MD Tech Showcase, 2002

The 2002 Maryland Technology Showcase, held on December 4th and 5th at the Baltimore Convention Center, featured a wide array of companies, organizations, and education institutions.

A range of keynote speakers and free educational sessions were provided on a number of topics, including: Information and Communication Technology; Bio-tech; Life Sciences; Education Technology; Technology Transfer; and venture capital, business, and trade development. Furthermore, in addition to the showcase floor, a Robotics Zone (an exhibition highlighting the winning robotics projects of K-12 students from across the country as part of a nationwide robotics competition sponsored by NASA) and Technology Theatre were available to this year's attendees.

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The Robotics Zone at this year's Tech Showcase was a big interest among attendees.

The Maryland Technology Assistance Program along with the Division of Rehabilitation Services and Volunteers for Medical Engineering, were on hand to exhibit some of MD TAP's technologies and services.

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Paul Rasinski, (forefront) Executive Director of MD TAP and Louise Calderan, Assistant Director of MD TAP were on hand to discuss the services and programs that MD TAP provides.

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Taylor McConnaughhay, an employee of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, explains to an attendee how assistive keyboards make it possible for an individual with a disability to use a computer.

With the beginning of Maryland TAP's new initiative to provide information, training and assistance on topics related to accessible information technology, the showcase proved to be a great opportunity to explore accessibility issues with education institutions and private industry.

Other disability organizations were at the Tech Showcase as well, including the National Federation of the Blind. With the continual presence at such events, the Maryland Technology Assistance Program is working toward helping exhibitors and attendees alike to understand that assistive technology and accessible information technology can, does, and will make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.