September 2025

We are pleased to announce the addition of Tech Tuesdays to the activity roster of our Frederick Day Program.  Tech Tuesdays is a new program designed to provide individuals with the opportunity to explore assistive technology through guided, interactive sessions with our assistive technology staff.  

“Tech Tuesdays expose individuals to technology, educate them on how to use it and provide opportunities to try different applications,” says Angela Strauch Lane, director of  Unified’s Assistive Technology Department.  “Our goal is to offer new experiences and expand an individual’s ability to engage with the world around them.”

The Assistive Technology Department recently welcomed two new staff members, and this expansion has made it possible to bring Tech Tuesdays to life.  Jennifer Waldo is leading Tech is leading Tech Tuesdays.  She joined the department on a part-time basis while pursuing a degree in speech-language pathology.  She has since graduated and is a licensed speech-language pathologist working full-time for Unified.  Bianca Parmelee has also joined the department as a part-time administrative assistant. 

“Our assistive technology program is approved by the Maryland Department  of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Administration and provides services not only to individuals who participate in Unified’s programs but also to those in the wider community,” explains Angela. 

The implementation of Tech Tuesdays demonstrates Unified’s commitment to Maryland’s Technology First initiative and our goal of promoting access to technology that enhances meaningful participation and quality of life.

In a recent Tech Tuesday session, individuals used switches to create spin art and operate a fan.  Switches are assistive technology devices that resemble push buttons and can be activated by light touch or different body parts, catering to diverse needs and abilities.  They can be integrated into environmental control systems to operate lights, appliances, televisions, learning devices, games, wheelchairs and more.