Talk, Text, and Train the Trainers
by Jane Hager
From the Editor: Learning about the technology is critical for blind people wanting to make the most of the alternative techniques available. So too is learning where one can get equipment and what help exists to assist. This article is oriented toward a Maryland program, but in many states there are similar ones, and readers are encouraged to inquire by starting with affiliate presidents and moving on to the technology committees that exist in almost every state.
Jane Hager works as a specialist for the Maryland Accessible Telecommunication Program, also known as MAT. MAT is a program under Telecommunication Access Maryland, an agency housed at the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Her life experience as an individual with severe/profound hearing loss has led her to a career in working with people with a variety of disabilities. She graduated from University of Maryland, holds a professional certificate in Peer Mentoring from Gallaudet University and has completed training in the field of positive psychology. The MAT Program is her latest and favorite career incarnation. Here is what she says:
Talk, Text and Train is a pilot program created to help bridge the digital divide while providing accessible device training to Maryland citizens of the low-vision and blind community through the Maryland Accessible Telecommunication (MAT) equipment distribution program and partners.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) was the host for the inaugural event of the Maryland Talk Text Train (TTT) program held at the NFB Jernigan Institute on September 27, 2023. Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Programs (TEDP) exist in thirty-eight states throughout the country. While each program is tailored to an individual state according to its laws and the needs of its citizens, the purpose is to provide telecommunication devices that are accessible and usable—regardless of a person’s differing ability. Telecommunication has evolved to include video platforms, texting, emailing, and traditional phone calls. The means to do this are smartphones, cell phones, iPads, and tablets. The TTT is a pilot program created to help bridge the digital gap. The NFB hopes that by supporting this and other similar pilot projects, we can inspire other states to establish and execute this type of innovative program to positively affect the lives of their blind, low-vision, and deafblind citizens.
Maryland is fortunate to have an excellent equipment distribution program known as the MAT Program, which is housed under the Maryland Department of Disabilities. The MAT Program distributes accessible telecommunication equipment to any qualifying Marylander with a disability that prevents them from using standard devices such as a phone or tablet. The MAT Program has been on the cutting edge of learning about the growing body of wireless devices designed for the low-vision and blind community, and several of these devices are now available to qualifying MAT customers. Those devices include the BlindShell, the Pixel 6a, the iPhone, the Hable One, the RealSAM, the SmartVision 3, the MiniVision2, and the RAZ Memory Cell Phone. MAT recognizes that users often need a lot of training to successfully use these devices. The MAT staff, although small, is mighty and determined with just four team members, but MAT cannot provide adequate training for all customers statewide. To address this concern, the TTT program was developed.
Introducing the TTT Program
Talk Text Train is a partnership with Marylanders Online, a program through the University of Maryland, whose goal is to close the digital divide by being a resource to support anything digital. Their technology navigators can help with printer installation, understanding how to navigate an iPad, or assisting those who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program so they can receive a federal and state discount on their internet service. Other partners include the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS); BlindShell USA; RAZ Mobility; RealSAM Pocket, USA; Teltex; and Hable One.
The TTT trainer participants master various telecommunication devices so they can train other people who are blind to use them. Using a train-the-trainer model, TTT recruited existing blind professionals employed by organizations throughout the state to support others who are blind by providing a variety of training in assistive technology, independent living, orientation, and mobility. Simultaneously, TTT is generating employment opportunities for other Marylanders who are blind by helping them become independent contractors paid to provide the training once they become qualified by TTT. To fill in the geographical gap, a few key digital navigators with the Marylanders Online program also participated in the Talk, Text, Train event.
The MAT Program and the National Federation of the Blind Host a Day of Training
To achieve this, the MAT Program teamed up with the National Federation of the Blind and hosted a kick-off day on September 27, 2023, at the NFB Jernigan Institute. This is one of the many projects we are able to host with assistance from the state of Maryland’s Nonvisual Access Initiative grant administered by the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Over sixty participants and lead trainers attended. The day was jam-packed with brief introductions to each of the devices, motivational speakers, and valuable resource information.
The event was a delightful success. Master of Ceremony Marguerite Woods, president of the Seniors Division of the NFB of Maryland, introduced the presenters. Diane Ducharme, senior sales manager for BlindShell USA, partnered with Freek van Welsenis from Denmark who presented on the Hable One via Zoom. Following Freek, Diane continued highlighting the BlindShell. Next up were Robert Felgar and Kenny Washington from RAZ Mobility presenting on the MiniVision2, SmartVision 3, Pixel 6a, and RAZ Memory Cell Phone. Brief overviews and profiles of who these devices are typically the best solution for were given. Finally, Carmen Oche, business development manager for RealSam Pocket, USA wrapped up the day of intense learning.
In addition to these great product representatives, the event began with a keynote from Jo Berman, former lawyer with the federal government Environmental Protection Agency. Later in the day, Vishnu Desai from Marylanders Online discussed what the TTT program does and how it can assist organizations with events to get those who qualify signed up for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Anil Lewis and Marguerite Woods welcomed all attendees to lunch and informed them about the activities of the NFB. The day wrapped up with Tandra Hunter-Payne from the Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and the division’s support to provide device training, resulting from the TTT initiative to people enrolled in the Independent Living Older Blind program, as well as those with employment goals receiving DORS support.
What Happens Next?
Training did not end after the in-person opening event—there are now virtual sessions held twice a week for a deep dive into each device. Participants, working with devices from their kits, are becoming prepared to instruct others.
With support from TTT, MAT can continue to provide awesome devices specifically designed for the blind community that make phone calls, text messages, and apps more accessible. It also ensures Maryland has a team of mentors and master trainers ready to accelerate independence for others!