MAT Program: Update

MAT Program: Update

Contributed by Joseph Beckett, Program Coordinator for MAT

Just ninety days into 2020, the world as we know it was twisted beyond our comprehension.  The United States was in near panic mode, paralyzed by a novel virus called COVID-19. Perhaps, since the virus was primarily in Asia ad Europe, citizens of the US felt that they were ‘immune’, even safe, from the deleterious nature of the highly contagious infection. Then, just a month into 2020 the first case of the infection was reported. Still, the nation was unprepared for what it all meant, what was rapidly to come, and the possible seriousness of a virus not yet fully understood.   By March, the number of cases increased exponentially, bringing concern and pre-panic. One of the most affected areas was the education system, from pre-kindergarten through graduate school. The virus brought the system to nearly a standstill, as administrators spent days deciding and strategizing the best methods to provide continued academic services to their students. Several months later, schools are still working out the kinks as they prepare for the Fall.

The aforementioned concerns have had only a slight impact on the Maryland Accessible Textbook Program. As Maryland college and university students were readjusting to their new normal, the MAT team continues to edit, and convert requested materials fully. Fortunately, the program will always have the ability to serve its students. The Maryland Accessible Textbooks program’s hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9 am-4:30 pm.  Questions and comments can be emailed the MAT program at any time at accessible.textbook@maryland.gov. 

We look forward to continuing our service to Maryland’s print-impaired college students.