Maryland State Library Agency

The Improving Health Care Access and Engagement for Veterans and Service Members with TBI Morbidity (IHEAL) program is a Department of Defense-funded initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare access for Veterans and Service Members with traumatic brain injury (TBI)- related conditions. By integrating research, community engagement, and implementation science approaches, I-HEAL addresses healthcare inequities and ensures that those impacted by TBI receive the support and services they deserve.

On Saturday, May 10th, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) highlighted resources for technology news and information and where to find live, human assistance. They foucsed on all aspects of tech: getting assistance for the newly blind, technical assistance for products, resources for finding assistive technology tools, as well as examples of what assistive technology products can do and updates on what’s happening in the world of assistive technology. In addition, TUG turned 18! Come and learn the history of the group, and hear about some of our milestones along the way. Who should attend?

On Saturday, May 10th, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) highlighted resources for technology news and information, and where to find live, human assistance. We focused on all aspects of tech: getting aid for the newly blind, technical help for products, resources for finding assistive technology tools, as well as examples of what assistive technology products can do and updates on what’s happening in the world of assistive technology. In addition, TUG turns 18! Learn the group's history and hear about our milestones.

In this episode of the LBPD Guest Hour Podcast, we’re joined by Patti Dorn, Associate Commissioner of the Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit at the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), for an important conversation about life insurance. Host Ashley Biggs and Patti break down what life insurance is, why it matters, and how it can offer peace of mind and financial protection for your loved ones. Patti explains the different types of life insurance policies available, how to determine what coverage might be right for you, and what to consider when shopping for a policy. The Maryland Insurance Administration plays a key role in protecting consumers by regulating insurance companies and ensuring fair treatment through oversight of licensing, claims practices, and rates. Patti also shares how MIA helps consumers resolve complaints and understand their rights under Maryland insurance laws. Whether you're new to life insurance or just need a refresher, this episode offers clear, practical guidance in an easy-to-follow format.

Pro Bono Counseling® (PBC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded with the goal of connecting uninsured and under-insured low-income Marylanders with compassionate and qualified mental health professionals who provide care on a volunteer basis at no cost. Roxanne Melgar, LCSW-C, serves as Interim Executive Director of Pro Bono Counseling, bringing over two decades of experience as a volunteer therapist with the organization. She currently guides the organization through its leadership transition while ensuring continuity of services. Previously, she worked as a program and clinical director at TurnAround and So Others Might Eat and plays a key role in PBC’s Terapias Initiative for Spanish speakers (Pro Bono Counseling Announces Interim Executive Director - Pro Bono Counseling).

On Saturday, March 8th, the Technology User Group (TUG) welcomed Christine Ha. The celebrated MasterChef season 3 winner will talk about her blindness journey, reminisce about her experiences on MasterChef, and share some cooking tips and tricks that she learned along the way. The presentation will take 45 minutes. Who should listen?

The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) is pleased to welcome Maryland 250 Commission Director Michele Johnson to the MSLA Guest Hour. In this episode, Michele talks about statewide efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, grant opportunities for Maryland libraries and share information on upcoming events.

On Saturday, February 8th, the Technology User Group (TUG) welcomed Bookshare into our virtual domain. Bookshare is a paid service offering books and periodicals in a variety of formats such as braille, daisy and audio. Many of these items are not available from the NLS collection. The company also offers an iOS app and an Alexa skill. Lara from Bookshare will tell us more about using the app and skill as well as the organization’s future endeavors. Did you know that LBPD patrons can receive Bookshare accounts for free through the library? We encourage LBPD patrons to attend this TUG presentation to learn if Bookshare is right for them. The presentation will take 60 minutes.

Join the Brain Injury Association of Maryland's Bryan Pugh and Ashley as they discuss Traumatic Brain Injury and the resources that the Brain Injury Association of Maryland can offer those with TBI.

The Maryland State Library Agency is pleased to welcome Enoch Pratt Free Library CEO Chad Helton to the MSLA Guest Hour.

First, the Columbia Lighthouse of Maryland will highlight programs available in those Maryland counties located near Washington, D.C. As part of this discussion, we will hear about updates to Columbia Lighthouse’s services that have occurred since their last presentation. Following Columbia Lighthouse, we will have a presentation by Diane DuCharm on the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program, covering free cell phones, complimentary equipment, and how to obtain these items. Furthermore, the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program has also undergone some modifications, which Diane will share with the group.

February is Low Vision Awareness Month, and we've partnered with Dr. Vicky Wong to discuss the importance of low-vision tools and services. Dr. Vicky Wong is a highly accomplished optometrist at Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care. A graduate with distinction from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry and a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, she completed an ocular disease residency at the Lexington VA Medical Center with a focus on low vision. Dr. Wong specializes in primary eye care, particularly myopia control and dry eye management, and is an active member of the American Optometric Association, contributing to the Vision Rehabilitation Section. She also serves as Chief Medical Officer of the Myopia Institute and writes patient education content for IntroWellness. In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Wong is President of the Maryland Optometric Association’s first all-female Board and a founding member of Young ODs of America. Outside of work, she enjoys food, volleyball, and time with her family, including her two children and Pomeranian Maddox.

Tiffany is a skilled cultural broker and founder of Rose Pedals Consulting, specializing in fostering collaboration and equitable outcomes. With expertise in race, class, and restorative practices, she connects data with human stories to drive systemic change. Tiffany’s lived experience and dynamic facilitation help communities identify barriers and co-create solutions. She serves as Co-Chair of the Montgomery County Anti-Hate Task Force, Vice-Chair of the Gaithersburg Community Advisory, and member of the Racial Equity Network.

Join Jerry Price as he explores the best apps of 2024. He'll tell you what to download and use this upcoming year. He'll also give you a demonstration of the BARD app on Alexa.

The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) is pleased to welcome Kent County Public Library Executive Director Robert Bell to the MSLA Guest Hour. Robert has held the position since October 1. Previously, Robert worked in academic and public libraries in the U.S., China and Thailand.

This month, LBPD welcomes the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights! The Commission's mission is to ensure opportunity for all by enforcing Maryland's laws against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state contracts, providing educational outreach services related to these provisions, and promoting and improving civil rights in Maryland. Interviewed was Clevland Horton, Executive Director. Horton earned an associate's degree from the Community College of Baltimore County and a bachelor's degree and MBA from the University of Baltimore. He is a member of the Coalition Opposed to Violence and Extremism, serves on the Maryland Advisory Council on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and is committed to serving and protecting the rights of all Marylanders.

On Saturday, November 2nd, the Technology User Group was pleased to present its annual salute to gadgets, gizmos, and whatchamacallits that attendees might have wanted to receive (or give) as gifts for the holidays! This year’s collection was intriguing, detailed, and affordable. Various vendors also showcased their products, sharing the latest innovations in the assistive technology arena.

The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) is thrilled to welcome Nanna Bailey and Kristin Green from Queen Anne’s County Library to the MSLA Guest Hour. Nanna is the Public Services Associate for the library system while Kristin is the Technical Services Manager. Together, they helped lead the Empowerment Library project with the Queen Anne’s County Library and Queen Anne’s County Detention Center.

On Saturday, October 5 th , the Technology User Group (TUG) will look at the changes made to the iPhone with iOS 18. What is new, what is accessible, and what just does not work? As always, your questions and experiences are greatly appreciated. The meeting will begin at 10 AM and last about 60 minutes. Who should attend this meeting?  Individuals who own iPhones.  People who assist others with their phones.  Anyone who is thinking about switching to an iPhone.

On Saturday, September 14 th , the Technology User Group (TUG) welcomes Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM). Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization that supports the blind community by providing stable and rewarding career opportunities, innovative rehabilitation programs, economic and personal independence, and appropriate resources for training and education. In a typical year, BISM serves 136 youth, 932 adults and 1,006 seniors. Come and learn about BISM’s programming and how you can live a productive life with blindness.