Maryland Library for the Blind is reaching out to all patrons

It was a cold and rainy Saturday morning in September. But the meeting room at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped was full...

Technology has become one of the most fundamental sources of communication in the twenty-first century. Technology is often the root of how we gather news, seek education, and function in the modern world. For many, using technology is a way of life. For others, it is an unattainable dream.

The cost of technology is often erroneous. For those seeking to purchase assistive technology, the cost can be even greater. And the ability to seek the correct technology to improve a way of life can seem like an endless ordeal as one wades through an endless sea of choices.

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped understands that technology can change and improve the way of life for individuals with disabilities. Because of the opportunities that arise from accessing technology, the library held its annual Technology Day on Saturday, September 13th. This years theme was "Common Sense Technology: Making Life Easier"

With a large turnout to hear the morning's presentations, attendees were eager to learn more about alternative financing and to see some of the technologies available.

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Technology Day pulled a large crowd to see the technologies on display.

The first presentation, given by Karen Friedman of the National Federation of the Blind discussed the NFB's telephone news service, Newsline. As an alternative news source for those who cannot access the traditional format newspaper, the NFB receives newspapers and magazines from across the country that are then converted to text and read online via a screen reader. This service allows everyone equal access to the most current news.

MD TAP's own Lori Markland gave a short presentation on the Assistive Technology Low-Interest Loan Program, overseen by MD TAP, as well as alternative ways to seek grants and loans to outside of MD TAP.

But perhaps the most interesting presentation was the one given by Susan Levi of the Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services, who demonstrated a wide array of adaptive equipment, from CCTV's and magnifying tools, to Braille playing cards and TTY's.

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A few of the technologies on display at "Technology Day."

Refreshments supplied by the Friends of LBPH topped off the day.