Celebrate Assistive Technology Awareness Day!!
Wednesday, April 14th is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day and Governor Hogan issued a proclamation making it AT Awareness Day in Maryland!
Join our celebration by sharing your use of AT on social media using #ATAwarenessDay. We can't wait to see how AT makes your day!
Check out all the ways MDTAP can help you with accessing AT:
- Virtual AT visits with an AT Specialist
- Device demonstration and loans
- Webinars and trainings
- AT Financial Loan Program
The ATAP (Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs) https://www.ataporg.org/, is a national association that facilitates the coordination of state AT Programs. The impact of AT Programs is documented in their brief "Small Federal Investment – Large Benefits in Return".
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Book a Visit with an AT Specialist!
In October 2020, Andrea Troutner, a Registered Dietician (RD), Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, reached out to MDTAP to explore ergonomic computing options to better support her diagnosis of bilateral tendonitis and tennis elbow. With increased telehealth appointments and distance learning for her patients,
Ms. Troutner found herself increasing in front of her computer, and ready to find an equipment solution so she could continue to support her patients.
After a virtual consult and demo with our AT Clinician, James Whitney, Andrea borrowed a split keyboard and a vertical mouse and discussed ergonomic positioning and how to better set-up her work station, “I especially loved the virtual meeting with James to discuss my ergonomic options, saving time in my search, as well as a great resource to address questions as they arose with my search.”
Now, with the right AT in place, she’s been able to continue supporting her patients virtually while going through the healing process herself. And after her employer purchased the AT for the office, Andrea decided to invest in the same setup at home, ensuring that she has a safe and comfortable setup no matter where she’s working.
Have questions about how AT could help you? Book your virtual consultation with one of our AT Specialists: INQUIRY FORM
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Device Demonstrations and Loans
When COVID first hit, Elijah Dixon, who’s non-verbal, lost access to his in-person day services, and subsequently his communication device. With increased participation in activities from home during COVID, without a communication device, life got much harder for him.
“There were daily meltdowns and non-compliant behavior, which led to a change in therapists and medications. Elijah was unable to do the things he loved to do.” In May 2020, Elijah’s mom, Mona, reached out to MDTAP to see what communication options were available. Having lost access to his previous communication device after graduating from high school, Elijah and his family were relying solely on picture boards until a new device could be identified and purchased through his plan of action.
James Whitney, AT Clinician at MDTAP, met virtually with the family and discussed Elijah’s needs and preferences. The consult and demo led Elijah and his mom to borrow the iPad with TouchChat, to accommodate his needs until they could get a replacement from his program. The impact of this tool was immediate and positive. Elijah felt supported and for his mom and family.
“We were all a little calmer knowing that he could actually pick up and use his device that has been his voice for many years.”
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April 29, 2021 @ 1pm
All transitions matter, and having access to AT is a fundamental part of making a transition successful. Join us as we explore ways to access AT during each transition from:
- middle school to high school;
- high school to post-graduation;
- hospital or assisted living to home.
This training will give you options on how to acquire AT during and after various life transitions.
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Financial Loan Program Helped Me
Noelle Reed
Last summer, I went to an appointment at a hearing aid vendor and was disappointed to be declined for financing for new hearing aids. The pair of hearing aids I currently had were over 6 years old. Insurance generally does not cover hearing aids, so it was something I had to finance out of pocket. As a result, I started to research and try to find some form of assistance. I looked online and found the AT Financial Loan Program and figured I would give it a try. I was not expecting to have success because I had always felt like it was an uphill battle and process to get something I really needed.
In 2020, I transferred to a new position within my job, and my training started at the beginning of the pandemic. To navigate through working from home and learning a new position, my coworker and I utilized Zoom daily. This process was a challenge because it required constant communication and at times, I struggled to hear clearly as I learned my new position. Outside of work, I lead worship at my church and the old hearing aids I had were just not working well for me either. Even on a personal and social level, I struggled hearing conversations and sounds in the environment. There was no background versus foreground, and everything seemed “over amplified” with the old hearing aids.
When I received the phone call that I had been approved by the program, I was elated that I could finally get the technology I desperately needed to hear. I scheduled an appointment with a local ENT/audiology office to be evaluated. Prior to acquiring this new pair of hearing aids, I was never excited about wearing them. The technology of my new hearing aids was so different than I was used to. It was a difference of night and day for me receiving and wearing the new aids.
After just a few months, I can see improvements not in just the professional setting but in all aspects of my life. There is a certain level of confidence that comes with wearing these hearing aids that I did not have before. To most people, they do not realize how important hearing is to do well in all aspects of life. I have seen significant improvements in conversing with my coworkers, friends, and family. It is no longer a struggle to have a regular conversation or to be engaged during training or meetings. Helen Keller said this, “Blindness separates people from things; deafness separates people from people.” Hearing loss can be very isolating but now with the new hearing aids I was able to obtain, connections with people in all circumstances are enhanced.
For more information on the AT Financial Loan Program,
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All webinars include live captioning.
Disclaimer
Attendees of these trainings should be aware that there are known and potential privacy and confidentiality issues with the Zoom System (Cloud Service, Web application, and/or Application). While every effort has been made to ensure the security of this meeting, factors out of the State's control introduce risk. Participants should evaluate the risk associated with the application and platform and determine if the risks preclude the use of the service. The State provides no warranty regarding the security of the application, confidentiality of the information discussed, or the privacy of information collected by the application and/or service. Security events impacting the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of a meeting (e.g., ZoomBombing) must be reported to the State Security Operations Center (soc.info@maryland.gov).
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