Maryland State Library Agency

In this episode of LBPD Guest Hour, we dive into the importance of Maryland’s state parks and how residents can enjoy them year-round. We explore why these parks are vital for protecting natural resources like forests, waterways, and wildlife, and how they serve as educational spaces that promote environmental stewardship.

On Saturday, June 14th, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) had two guest speakers. First was Rebecca Rosenberg, an engineer, and the Founder and CEO of ReBokeh Vision Technologies, Inc. Creator of the ReBokeh See Your World app, she taled about its functionality and future plans. This app is designed for people with low vision, allowing them to enhance their visual experiences in real-time...

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...

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 upda...

On Saturday, April 12th, the Technology User Group (TUG) welcomed Tamara Rorie from the National Library Service (NLS) to our virtual domain to talk about new and existing equipment and NLS programming. She will also demonstrate the new DA2 Talking Book Machine and the BARD skill for Alexa. In addition, she discussed NLS’s Braille on Demand and e-Reader projects and took your questions. The presen...

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...

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 volunte...

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? Cooks of all ages Reality TV enthusiasts Individuals seeking to...

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...

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 Progr...

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 residen...

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 t...

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,...

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...

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...

Join Ashley Biggs and Mark Riccobono as they discuss the National Federation of the Blind.

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September is National Sleep Month, and we welcome Dr. L. Wittine! Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, allowing the body and mind to recharge. It supports cognitive function, emotional balance, and physical health. Adequate sleep boosts memory, concentration, and immune response while reducing stress and the risk of chronic diseases, promoting a longer, healthier life.