TAPPING TECHNOLOGY, JUNE 2007

The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDTAP) issued the following newsletter:

* AT FOR DEMONSTRATION, LOAN, AND BEYOND

Getting assistive technology (AT) into the hands of those who need it is the first goal of MD TAP's two assistive technology specialists, Denise Schuler and Peggy Murphy. Having expanded the Equipment Demonstration and Loan Program to serve more individuals throughout the state, Denise and Peggy are building an extensive library of assistive technology to loan to people with disabilities.

Having provided short-term equipment loans to a growing number of individuals over the past year, Denise and Peggy have noted a number of successes for borrowers: "One person borrowed the Headmouse Extreme and is now much more successful on the computer, and uses it to write a newsletter. One borrowed the Amigo to be able to continue working, as her Amigo was being repaired. Another young man borrowed the Amigo and was able to better complete his school work." And as Denise and Peggy provide these equipment loans to more individuals across the state, they are also working diligently to expand the library of items available to Marylanders.

With items ranging from simple aids for daily living to extensive and sometimes complex devices that help people communicate (augmentative communication devices), the AT Library is expanding to meet the needs of all ranges of disability. Some of the newest items acquired include the VoiceNote mPower (a device that allows a visually impaired user to take notes, access the internet, and compose email), the tango! (an augmentative communication device that incorporates multimedia and language streams), and the HeadMouse Extreme (a hands-free computer mouse controlled with head movements). By providing options, demonstration, and equipment try-out, consumers are better able to make educated choices about the equipment that will best meet their needs. By expanding consumer choice, the Equipment Demonstration and Loan Program is helping Marylanders with disabilities to make the right purchase for the right piece of assistive technology. If you would like to learn more about the equipment available for demonstration or loan, or would like to learn more about assistive technology in general, please contact the Maryland Technology Assistance Program.

* TELEWORK WORKS: THE MARYLAND TELEWORK LOAN PROGRAM

In a current workforce where only 56% of working age individuals with disabilities are employed, it has become imperative that Maryland tap into an educated and productive pool of applicants with disabilities to build a stronger, more financially sound workforce. In response to this need, on January 1, 2007, the Telework Loan Program, a program of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, was launched. The Maryland Telework Loan Program's overarching task is to implement systems change through the expansion of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by offering low interest loans to Maryland residents with disabilities to enable them to work from home or start home-based businesses. Through the implementation of Telework policies, employers will be able to retain an educated, experienced, and aging workforce while recruiting the most qualified applicants regardless of disability.

Specifically, the Telework Loan Program provides loans to individuals with disabilities to purchase computers or other equipment so that they can work as employees or contractors or become self-employed on a full-time or part-time basis from home or other remote sites. By increasing opportunities to telework and self-employment options, current barriers to employment such as inadequate transportation, fatigue, inaccessible work environments, and the need for personal assistance are reduced or eliminated.

As an additional part of the Telework Loan Program initiative, we have created Employee and Employer Abstracts outlining reasons to include telework as a alternative, viable accommodation for people with disabilities. Other available supporting publications include a Frequently Asked Questions Abstract and soon-to-come Telework Toolkit. More information and supporting Telework publications can be found online at www.mdtap.org.

* EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH MD TAP

MD TAP has three exciting employment opportunities available. We are currently seeking to fill the following openings:

MD TAP Volunteer Coordinator

This full-time Americorps position will help create and manage two statewide programs to distribute used "assistive technology" to people with disabilities who need equipment but can't afford to purchase new items.

MD TAP Equipment Link Manager (Internship)

This position will manage the functioning, content, and marketing of the online equipment database system.

Wheelchair Ramp Initiative Coordinator (Internship)

This position will be responsible for establishing partnerships, identifying funding, recruiting contractors and volunteers, and assisting applicants with the coordination of services.

For more information, call 1-800-832-4827 or read position descriptions online at www.mdtap.org, under News & Events.