Maryland Department of Disabilities 

Technology Assistance Program 
      
  AT News Update                                        December 2018

In This Issue
Welcome Andrew!
Adaptable Toy List
AT Discount Sales
MD TAP on the Road
ATLP Seeks Board Members
Quick Links

 

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 Welcome to our new AT Specialist!!


Headshot of Andrew Drummond
AT Specialist Andrew Drummond


The Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) is excited to introduce you to our new AT Specialist, Andrew Drummond.  Andrew comes to us from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) where he was an AT Specialist.  He is a former special educator, has been an expert witness in AT and is an AT presenter for the VA Department of Education.  Andrew is originally from New Castle England, where he got his first taste of AT renovating his childhood home for his sister who has a Spina bifida diagnosis.  On a personal note, he is married with three children and his son has learning disabilities and ADHD.  Andrew credits early intervention with his son's current success.     

Three people sit around desk working together.  
MD TAP team planning session

Andrew is eager to get started and help MD TAP grow.  "What we offer is so impactful, I want to make sure everyone knows about us," said Andrew as he started.   You can reach Andrew at MD TAP at 410-554-9276.  His email is adrummond@mdtap.org.  



Adaptable Toy List 

toy stuffed monkey on table connected to large button switch  
Adaptable toys

The HuskyADAPT Adaptable Toy List is an open-source, ever-growing document to make it easier for users or adapters to decide which toys they should purchase. The guide provides information about: 
1) Which toys are adaptable? 
2) How does the circuit look in each toy? which spots on the toy complete the circuit? 
3) How challenging is it to adapt each toy? 
4) How does each toy function after it is adapted? 

This cool document has video demos on how to adapt toys, add switches and more!  CLICK HERE to link to the list.  




How to get that AT at a discount! 

Y Tablet and phone mount attached to wheelchair  
Y Phone and Tablet Mount

Finding the right device is challenging enough, but figuring out how to pay for it can be just as challenging!  Let AT Discount Sales and Service LLC help you find the best price for your device.  

Are you an agency or school needing to purchase multiple devices? 

Contact them for help to find the best prices-it's easy to get started!  Just visit the website and complete a quote request form.   AT Discount Sales and Service LLC works with schools, organizations, community agencies, and individuals to help them find the best price and discounts for technology needs. 

Amanda Cheong, founder of AT Discount Sales and Service, can help you research discounts on your assistive technology needs for everyday life, work and in the classroom.    Send your needs list to:
Amanda@atdiscount.net so they can help your money go further.




MD TAP on the Road


Denise Schuler stands at podium describing device while Andrew Drummond demos device.
AT Specialists demo devices


The MD TAP AT Specialists were on the road in November demonstrating devices and sharing info about our services.  Denise Schuler and Andrew Drummond presented to the Baltimore County Consortium for Professional Education in the Field of Aging at Martin's East.  The event was sponsored by the Baltimore County Department of Aging. Several members of the audience met with the staff after the presentation to get more info for the people they serve.  It's always great to hear "Wow, I know someone who can use that."  


Denise Schuler shares info

Denise Schuler also presented at the Maryland Commission on Caregiving Annual Meeting.  This dynamic audience was filled with families and professionals in involved in caregiving in Maryland.  What an important group to learn about the services of MD TAP!  Appointments were made for consultations and loans for Marylanders in need of AT.  

For a consultation with one of our AT Specialists or for more information, contact us at mdtap@mdtap.org 
or 1-800-832-4827.


AT Loan Program Seeks Board Members

The Assistive Technology Loan Program helps Maryland residents with disabilities and their families qualify for low-interest loans to buy equipment that will help them live, work, and learn more independently.
 
The  Maryland Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) is currently seeking candidates with significant experience in finance, accounting, investment management, consumer lending, or who have disabilities or assist individuals with disabilities, to serve on its volunteer Board of Directors.

ATLP Board members establish and review policies and procedures, issue weekly decisions on applications for loan guarantees and interest or principle subsidies, and advise on fiscal and budgetary matters. Knowledge and understanding of reading credit reports is preferred, though not a requirement.
 

If you're interested in serving on the ATLP Board of Directors, please contact Tanya Goodman at 410-554-9244 or at  tgoodman@mdtap.org.


Disclaimer
Please be advised that the information provided in this publication  should not be deemed as an approval or endorsement for any product or service.