Category: AT Champions

Next Steps: A Letter to Future AT Champions

BEARadvocacy

By CJ Tabor, AT Champion

Back of an open envelope with letter partially removed.

To the next generation of AT Champions

Welcome. You are stepping into a role that will challenge how you think, not just about technology, but about language, people, and what it truly means to support someone’s independence.

One of the most memorable moments of my experience was a conversation about the very term assistive technology. I walked away from that discussion with a new perspective — and a new vocabulary. Think about it: a car is, in many ways, assistive technology for able-bodied people. So why do we reserve that label only for tools used by people with disabilities? I prefer the term enabling technology, because that’s what it really is — technology that enables people to live fully on their own terms. I encourage you to question the language around you. Words shape how we see people, and in this field, that matters deeply.

I also came in thinking I had a solid understanding of AT. What surprised me was discovering that enabling technology doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. You can transform everyday objects into powerful tools, and you can even create solutions from home. That realization changed how I approach problem-solving entirely — creativity is just as important as technical knowledge.

If there’s one piece of practical advice I’d leave you with, it’s this: communicate with your Project Lead. Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Check in early, ask questions, and be open about what you’re learning and where you need support. That relationship will shape your entire experience.

Go in with curiosity, stay open to changing your mind, and remember that the people you serve are at the center of everything you do.

Good luck — you’ve got this.

CJ Tabor 

Find out more at the AT Champions website.

CJ wrote this post as part of his participation in AT Champions – a program that hires and supports disabled students as interns to develop content related to assistive technology, including social media videos and flyers. The IMAGE Center of Maryland is proud to support two AT Champions for the 2025-2026 cohort. IMAGE Center AT Champions also work with AT Champions from other states in the mid-Atlantic region.

This project was funded by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, operated by TransCen, Inc., which provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within the Mid-Atlantic region (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, and WV). The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is funded under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR, grant #90DPAD0008). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The information, guidance, and/or materials provided are intended solely as informal guidance and do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

Funding Assistive Technology in Maryland: What DORS Can Do for You

BEARadvocacy

By CJ Tabor, AT Champion

DORS logo depicting doors opening on the right and left and a light emanating from the now-open entry.

Introduction

Assistive technology (AT) — from power wheelchairs and mobility devices to screen readers, speech-generating devices, and adaptive software — has the power to transform daily life and open doors to employment. But the cost of these tools can be a significant barrier. For Marylanders with disabilities, the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) is one of the most important and underutilized funding resources available.

Here is what you need to know.

What Is DORS?

DORS is an agency of the Maryland State Department of Education. Its mission is to promote employment, economic self-sufficiency, and independence for individuals with disabilities. Through its public Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, DORS helps eligible Marylanders prepare for work, find jobs, and stay employed — and assistive technology is a core part of how it does that.

How DORS Funds Assistive Technology

DORS may fund assistive technology when it increases an individual’s ability to obtain or maintain employment. This includes a wide range of tools:

  • Mobility devices and adaptive equipment
  • Voice recognition and screen reading software
  • Mobile devices for organization and time management
  • Communication devices and AAC tools
  • Adaptive workstation equipment

The process begins with a customized AT assessment, conducted by DORS Rehabilitation Technology Services (RTS) staff. Assessments can take place at the Workforce & Technology Center (WTC) in Baltimore or within the individual’s own community. This step ensures the right technology is matched to each person’s specific employment goals.

The Workforce & Technology Center (WTC)

Located in northeast Baltimore, the WTC is a comprehensive rehabilitation facility that offers AT services alongside career training, job placement assistance, and behavioral health support. For individuals who travel to use services on campus, onsite housing is available.

The WTC’s RTS team provides not only assessments, but ongoing training and technical support so individuals can make full use of their devices and software.

WTC Contact:

  • Address: 2301 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218
  • Voice: 410-554-9100
  • Voice, toll-free: 1-888-200-7117

Who Is Eligible?

DORS is an eligibility-based program, not an entitlement. To receive services, individuals must have a documented disability that creates a barrier to employment. Individuals with the most significant disabilities are served first. SSI and SSDI recipients are automatically eligible, though some may be placed on a waiting list.

To apply, visit dors.maryland.gov and select “Request DORS Services.” An intake meeting with a DORS counselor will follow to assess eligibility and begin planning.

Other Maryland AT Funding to Know

DORS is often the starting point, but not the only option. Other Maryland-specific resources include:

  • Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP) – Offers AT demonstrations, device loans, and guidance on funding options. Reach them at 1-800-832-4827.
  • Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan Program – A low-interest loan program run by MD TAP and the Maryland Department of Disabilities for residents who need help purchasing AT.
  • Maryland Work Incentives Network (MD-WIN) – Provides free benefits counseling for Social Security recipients exploring how work and AT funding may affect their benefits.

Take the First Step

Navigating AT funding takes persistence, but Marylanders do not have to figure it out alone. A DORS counselor can assess your needs, coordinate an AT evaluation, and help build a plan that puts the right tools in your hands.

Visit dors.maryland.gov to get started, or call your local DORS office to schedule an intake appointment today.

About the AT Champions program

CJ wrote this post as part of his participation in AT Champions – a program that hires and supports disabled students as interns to develop content related to assistive technology, including social media videos and flyers. The IMAGE Center of Maryland is proud to support two AT Champions for the 2025-2026 cohort. IMAGE Center AT Champions also work with AT Champions from other states in the mid-Atlantic region.

This project was funded by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, operated by TransCen, Inc., which provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within the Mid-Atlantic region (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, and WV). The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is funded under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR, grant #90DPAD0008). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The information, guidance, and/or materials provided are intended solely as informal guidance and do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

Crip Camp and the Roots of Disability Activism

BEARadvocacy

By CJ Tabor, AT Champion

Text setting forth the name of the film, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, and a screenshot from the film. Text below reads: Crip Camp and the Roots of Disability Activism

Disability History Through Documentary

This month’s AT Champions project theme is disability history, and I watched Crip Camp, a documentary that explores the origins of the disability rights movement in the United States. The film centers on Camp Jened, a summer camp in New York for teens with disabilities in the 1970s. For many campers, it was a rare space to build community, gain independence, and experience the joy of being fully themselves. As a university student with a disability, I could relate to how crucial environments that support accommodations and advocacy can be in shaping confidence and identity.

Cross-Disability Approach

One thing I appreciated about the film was how it highlighted a variety of disabilities, showing that the movement was inclusive and diverse. There were moments that were challenging for me personally—rapid color changes on screen were frustrating because I have epilepsy—but I was able to navigate these moments by closing my eyes while still following the narrative.

Disability Activism and Advocacy

The film also provided concrete examples of activism, particularly the push for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I found it interesting to see how grassroots organizing—from the camp to the streets—helped transform policy. For example, the documentary covered the efforts of “rolling quads” and other activists to challenge systemic barriers. Even though my university has strong advocacy and support for students with disabilities, seeing these historical efforts deepened my appreciation for the movement’s scope and impact.

Beyond the history lessons, Crip Camp shows how advocacy and accommodations are interlinked. The community at Camp Jened emphasized that when people with disabilities are given resources and space, they can thrive and drive meaningful change. The film also draws clear connections between past activism and ongoing issues, showing that the fight for accessibility and equity continues today.

Bottom Line

Overall, Crip Camp was informative, moving, and inspiring. It balances historical context with personal stories, illustrating both the challenges and triumphs of the disability rights movement. For anyone interested in disability history or advocacy, it’s a compelling watch.

More on Crip Camp

Check out my colleague Sarah’s video on the same topic here: Sarah’s Instagram Crip Camp video.

About the AT Champions program

CJ wrote this post as part of his participation in AT Champions – a program that hires and supports disabled students as interns to develop content related to assistive technology, including social media videos and flyers. The IMAGE Center of Maryland is proud to support two AT Champions for the 2025-2026 cohort. IMAGE Center AT Champions also work with AT Champions from other states in the mid-Atlantic region.

This project was funded by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, operated by TransCen, Inc., which provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within the Mid-Atlantic region (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, and WV). The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is funded under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR, grant #90DPAD0008). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The information, guidance, and/or materials provided are intended solely as informal guidance and do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.