The following are some of the upcoming trainings that will be presented by Maryland Technology Assistance Program and Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services

Looking at Assistive Technology

Tour the Universal Workplace and the Interactive Technology Suite at the Workforce and Technology Center and hear about the great variety of technologies available to help people with all kinds of disabilities. Registration is limited to 14.

All trainings are held in Room T-42.

Tuesday, March 22 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Thursday, April 21 10:00 am to12:00 Noon
Tuesday, May 17 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Thursday, June 23 10:00 am to12:00 Noon

Presenters: Susan Levi, CRC, ATP, Rehabilitation Technologist - DORS
Staff, DORS and TAP

The Nuts and Bolts of Accessible Information Technology

Explore ways of making information accessible to people with a variety of disabilities, including (1) assistive technologies (hardware and software) that provide computer access and (2) educational software that is accessible and usable for students. This session includes demonstration of a screen reader, common problems that make web sites inaccessible, and a video on computer access. Registration limited to 14.

All trainings are held in Room T-42.

Wednesday, March 23 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Tuesday, May 24 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Presenters: Michael Leone, IT Project Coordinator, TAP
Lori Markland, Loan Program & IT Specialist

How to Pay for AT and Live to Tell About It

Learn strategies for funding AT using a variety of options, including public agencies, public insurance, private grants, work incentives and loan programs. This practical workshop focuses on case studies to illustrate how to select the best funding sources and combine them to meet individuals' needs.

Wednesday, May 25 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Room T-130

Presenter: Michael Dalto, Executive Director, TAP

Framework for Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can work wonders, but only if it is matched well with the individual. Discover how to make a good match with this workshop that highlights the role of the AT professional and AT team; assessment tools to evaluate sensory, perceptual, cognitive and motor functions; matching device characteristics to needs and skills; needs vs. desires; and designing AT systems for successful outcomes.

Tuesday, March 29 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Room T-130

Presenter: Angela Strauch, MS, CCC-SLP, United Cerebral Palsy

Telephone Access, the Maryland Relay Service and the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program

Discover the world of telecommunications for people who can't use standard telephones. Try out a variety of adapted telephones and telecommunications devices for the deaf (TTY's). The session also covers, the Maryland Relay, a free service that enables TTY users and standard telephone users to communicate together; and the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program, that distributes free adapted telephones and TTY's to people with disabilities and very low incomes.

Wednesday, April 6 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Room T-130

Presenter: Susan Levi, CRC, ATP, Rehabilitation Technologist, DORS

Office Ergonomics

Specially designed office furniture, workstations and tools can prevent or alleviate painful physical disorders such as repetitive stress injuries. This workshop outlines the principles of ergonomics and shows how theory meets practice with ergonomically designed desks, chairs, keyboards, accessories and tools.

Wednesday, April 20 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon Multipurpose Room

Presenter: Ann Reed, Occupational Therapist, DORS

Home Modifications

There's no place like home...if it's accessible. From simple aids for daily living to extensive renovations (ramps, stair glides, lifts, bathroom and kitchen redesigns), here are a variety of options to make a house a home.

Wednesday, April 20 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Multipurpose Room

Presenter: Craig Smith, Housing Rehabilitation Specialist, DORS

Without Bells and Whistles: Alerting and Signaling Devices for People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

How can you tell that your phone is ringing, someone's at your door, your baby is crying or your smoke detector is activated if you can't hear them? Find out through this practical workshop that presents low-to-high-tech products.

Tuesday, June 8 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Room T-22

Presenter: Susan Levi, CRC, ATP, Rehabilitation Technologist, DORS

For information on these upcoming events, check out the TAP Services link on www.mdtap.org or Contact us at 1-800-832-4827. The trainings will be free. However, please help us plan appropriately for the group size and needs by registering in advance. If you register and then find that you are unable to attend the training, please call to let us know. Registration for all trainings must be received at least one week in advance. As always, groups of at least five can arrange for training or demonstrations of technologies at the Workforce and Technology Center. Groups residing on the Eastern Shore and Western Maryland can arrange to view the demonstration centers in their respective regions.

Disclaimer
Tapping Technology is a quarterly publication of the Maryland Technology Assistance Program.

The information contained in this newsletter was obtained from sources believed to be both reliable and credible. Its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed and should not be deemed as an endorsement for any product or service. Therefore, please consult your medical professional, lawyer, legal professional, tax advisor or other professional for matters of personal planning or purchase.