National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)

Lead Agency

Implementing Entity

Program Director and Other Contacts

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Certifying Representative

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

3. Loan Type

4. Interest Rates

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

6. Defaults

Activity 1

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Activity 2

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

G. Notes:

In August FY23, MDTAP launched its 3D Printing Fabrication Program, as reflected in the new data set for AT fabrication in State Financing. In FY23, the AT Financial Loan Program received a grant from ACL to expand lending parameters for adapted (and non adapted) vehicle loans, reflecting an increase in vehicle loans in the ATLP portfolio.

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance

Items obligated under IDEA

G. Notes:

I. Notes:

MDTAP continued to offer expanded access to device loans by offering shipping as an option for loan recipients, including postage paid return labels for all devices mailed out. By shipping devices to consumers borrowing equipment, the program has observed that this is a highly desirable perk of the lending library and continues to receive requests for items to be shipped, as opposed to requiring in-person device pickups and returns.

G. Notes:

C. Description of Training Activities

Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:

In February 2023, MDTAP hosted a training session on AT for Symptoms of Long Covid. This training was co-hosted by MDTAP's AT Clinician and MDTAP's AT & Public Health Coordinator. The session delved into AT solutions to help combat symptoms of long-COVID. From brain fog to muscle weakness, TAP staff discussed long-covid as defined by the CDC, coverages of long-covid under ADA, and a variety of technology options including health monitoring, medication reminders, memory aids, notetaking devices, and more. Other topics in this session included TAP services, CDC recommendations, and other state programs that can provide additional supports and treatments. There were 36 attendees - each received a copy of the slidedeck with hyperlinks and an additional resource document highlighting a variety of AT solutions.

Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

In September 2023, MDTAP hosted a training "From Highschool to Beyond: Assistive Technology In the Transition Process." This intensive training was presented by the TAP Executive Director and covered topics including AT access through the IEP, funding options that would allow students to maintain access to the AT through the transition (APH funding), the MDTAP AT in Transition Checklist now incorporated into the statewide Transition Guide, ways to access AT through transition programs (DSS offices in higher education, vocational rehab, DDA/waiver services, and Department of Labor programs), as well as ways to access AT for students who would not be utilizing any post-school programs or services. The session covered the services through MDTAP and our reuse program, as well as access to telecommunications and iPads through the state telecommunications program. 79 attendees received training and a copy of the slidedeck with links to all resources explored during the session.

Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

The IT Access Initiative conducted a high-impact training for the new Governor’s communications staff in July. The training was titled “Social Media Accessibility Training” and was attended by a team of four people. The session covered how to write good alternate text, how to provide descriptions for complex images such as infographics, proper captioning and audio description for recorded videos, and a checklist of necessities for press releases. This training showed marked impact on the new Governor’s various social media feeds which have begun incorporating the needed accessibility practices, as well as the Executive Orders issued by the Governor's Office, so that all Marylanders receive the same helpful information. One team member noted, “Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. It's apparent there are multiple facets of accessibility we've been missing out on that need to be addressed." The ITAI team will continue to follow up with Governor staff training as a refresher.

E. Notes:

MDTAP continued to offer highly customized AT and ICT trainings in FY23, with a focus on new, emerging, and relevant topics. We also collaborated with our partner organizations to increase marketing of all events, leading to greater attendance numbers in our trainings.

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

In July, 2023, MDTAP’s AT & Public Health Coordinator collaborated with the Director of Emergency Preparedness and the Director of the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program to develop and present an in-person training for 911 operators on alternative means of contacting 911 used by people with disabilities. Our Public Health Coordinator provided training on Assistive Technology devices that people use to interface with 911, and alternative emergency alerting systems, including live demonstrations and offering hands-on experience with the equipment. This training was developed to impact internal policies and practices within the state and will be used as a national model for other states to replicate. There were 150 registered attendees, including the lieutenant governor and other state leadership representatives.

Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

In January 2023, MDTAP's ED joined the Maryland State Agency Transition Collaborative, meeting with other state agencies monthly to discuss relevant improvements to the state transition services for students moving from high school into post-high school services. Out of this collaboration, MDTAP created the Assistive Technology Transition Checklist, available on the TAP website and distributed at Transition Fairs; included the checklist and related AT services in the newly revised Maryland Transition Guide, available through MSDE to all LEAs. Additionally, this partnership and coordination has led to further invitations to meet with and present at the statewide transition steering committees, and he development of a comprehensive training focused on AT in the Transition process. This training been offered once broadly and once as a custom session for Maryland School for the Blind.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. MDTAP staff provided a presentation to the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Readiness & Employment Team. The presentation focused on AT services & programs in the state, and highlighted various assistive technology solutions that can be implemented in the workplace. 22 Veterans Services Administrators and service providers attended, learning about TAP services, ways to access AT across the state, funding streams, libraries, and a deep dive into various workplace AT solutions to build confidence and competence in the workplace, regardless of disability. This presentation led to additional AT information being disseminated in the VA quarterly newsletter and direct constituent referrals for consultations, demo, and loan.

2. Two MDTAP staff provided presentations at the national ATIA conference. The topics included "AT to Combat Social Isolation" and "Establishing an AT Reuse Program." Both sessions were offered as hybrid (in person and online), well attended with approximately 150 attendees at each, garnered additional insight and inquiries, (including national award for one of our speakers - Joy Zabala award), and covered information specific to Maryland's AT services as well as national best practices.

Notes:

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

MDTAP worked closely with the Maryland Department of Labor, the MD Department of Disabilities Director of Employment, and the National Federation of the Blind to conduct a consumer needs assessment regarding appropriate employment services & referrals for people with disabilities seeking services in all of Maryland's American Job Centers (AJC). Through this assessment, we identified key referral needs for consumers and collaborated on the creation on a mandatory AJC staff training focused on disability etiquette and appropriate services and recommendations. The training covers how to support someone with a disability at the AJC, when to incorporate AT as a part of the job search process, and how to make referrals beyond just sending someone to the vocational rehabilitation waitlist.

2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

The final version of the AJC training is currently under review by the leadership at the MD Department of Labor. Once final approval is issued, the training will be posted on the HUB (the Maryland state employee training portal) and made mandatory for all employees under Department of Labor's American Job Centers. The ultimate intent is to improve referrals for people with disabilities and increase instances where employees are served with accommodations as opposed to sending them directly to vocational rehabilitation. A copy of the standard training can be provided by Kristen Patterson, Disability and Youth Services Coordinator, kristen.patterson@maryland.gov.

3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Employment