MAT Program: Accepting Materials

Contributed by Joseph Beckett, Program Coordinator for MAT

The Maryland Accessible Textbook program, like much of the country, was, for the Fall 2020 semester, wandering through a maze of unknowns. Covid-19 had dominated the headlines, emotions, and hearts of most of the world, paralyzing normal existence, changing how we live our lives, and extinguishing our peer interactions. The effects from this ‘new normal’ produced creative processes for the Maryland Accessible Textbook Program. Surprisingly, we experienced unexpected successes; assisting colleges and students with hard-to-find textbooks and supplemental materials, registering new students, consulting, and providing expedited services for students needing immediate conversions. Maryland State Library and the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled were instrumental resources, providing support and materials to ensure that there were no issues with our service. 

As we begin the process of returning to the office, adjusting to the structured environment, and processing the once normal changes, we are perhaps better prepared for the upcoming semester than we were initially aware. We look forward to continuing to providing top service to our clients and are excited to be back on the grounds of LBPD.

MAT Program: Accepting Materials

 

MAT Program: Accepting Materials

Contributed by Joseph Beckett, Program Coordinator for MAT

THE MARYLAND ACCESSIBLE TEXTBOOK PROGRAM is accepting textbook conversion requests for print-impaired students attending Maryland’s two and four-year colleges and universities for the upcoming academic year. 

We offer the following formats:

• ·      Audio (MP3)
• ·      Large Print
• ·      PDF
• ·      WORD
• ·      Epub
• ·      Victor Stream loaner with 2gb SD card
• ·      Textbook and academic document scanning, editing, and conversion

Although the Maryland Accessible Textbook Program team can convert textbooks in many subject areas, we, unfortunately, are limited in our ability to convert math, foreign language, or science textbooks into the audio format. We’re diligently working to erase that limitation and will announce when we find conversion software we’re satisfied with.

So, if the services offered by the Maryland Accessible Textbook Program fulfill your textbook conversion requests or if you have additional questions, please contact us: accesible.textbook@maryland.gov

Editorial: MAT Program

Editorial: MAT Program

Contributed by Joseph Beckett, Program Coordinator for MAT*

Recently I was asked if the Maryland Accessible Textbook program converts books for school-aged children. While this is a common question and one which I would answer with a quick negative, I thought carefully about how I would respond.

Admittedly, I am uncertain of the number of K-12 students with print disabilities, especially those in public schools. Still, I know that the services needed and the ready availability of service providers are not encouraging. As a former public school teacher/administrator, the number of students with visual disabilities was often small,

resulting, unfortunately, in these children being almost overlooked. I asked the school worker how accommodations were made for print-impaired students. Her response was disappointing but not unexpected.

“We usually read to them or try to give them large printed materials,” she said sadly. “Because we have so few students needing these services, there hasn’t been much emphasis placed on giving better accommodations. We have some technology, but not

nearly enough.” We talked for a while, and she spoke of budget constraints, regulatory uncertainty, and the principal interest of the special education department being on other learning disabilities. 

Indeed her admissions were honest, but for the students, there was much being missed: academically, socially, and emotionally. What the school lacked (although they did their best for print disabled students) was, mainly, an under-acknowledged gateway to their adulthood challenges.

So, despite informing her that the MAT program does not convert materials for K-12 students and that many schools often have the most basic of necessary technology for print-impaired students, I provided her the names of several organizations that might be willing and able to help. With this information, her expression relaxed.

As we parted, she asked if I’d be willing to speak to her school’s Special Education department. I said I would. She smiled, and I smiled too. Although there was little I could offer regarding accessible materials, as a former special educator, speaking to her colleagues was the least I could do.

*The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the LBPH, MSL, or the employees.

Maryland Accessible Textbook Program: Fall Update

Maryland College Textbook Program

MAT Program: Update

Contributed by Joseph Beckett, Program Coordinator for MAT

The Maryland College Textbook Program is a specialized program under the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped that provides assistance to print-disabled college students by providing accessible textbooks. 

The Maryland Accessible Textbook program (MAT) is expected to deliver over one-hundred and fifty accessible textbooks to approximately seventy students attending Maryland colleges. 

However, there are many more qualifying print-disabled students that are unaware of the services MAT provides. After careful consideration and collaboration with other agencies, the MAT hopes to connect with more students through a revitalized marketing and outreach campaign. 

Additionally,  the MAT program has been working to provide materials in ePub formats, allowing students to access converted textbooks via Kindle and eReaders. By incorporating ePub, the MAT program hopes to increase its offerings, which currently includes PDF, Large Print, Audio, and Daisy formats. 

Subscribe to the Blog and LBPH social media for updates from the MAT program as LBPH staff explore technological and process improvements. The goal of the Maryland Accessible Textbook program is simple: To provide the best service possible to print-disabled students attending Maryland colleges and Universities.