On December 4, 2001 the Maryland State Board of Education approved a regulation (COMAR 13A.05.02.13H) concerning accessible technology-based instructional products. This regulation requires that a "public agency shall ensure that a request for bid, request for proposal, and local public agency guidelines for the selection and evaluation of technology-based instructional products used by students include the requirements governing equivalent access consistent with Subpart B, Technical Standards, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended."

Local school systems must address how they are complying with COMAR 13A.05.02.13H (Accessibility of Technology-Based Instructional Products) and Education Article § 7-910: Equivalent Access for Students with Disabilities in their local technology plans and in their annual Master Plan Updates.

The Center for Technology in Education (CTE) at Johns Hopkins University has established the Maryland Assistive Technology Network (MATN) which offers professional development opportunities to MATN members through its semi-annual institutes with nationally acclaimed leaders in assistive technology, regional meetings, and the MATN Online Web site.

The technical requirements governing equivalent access in this regulation are based on Subpart B, Technical Standards, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Click here for more information, explanations, and examples of these technical standards, which were developed by the Access Board. For more specific guidance in regard to Standards for Electronic and Information Technology, click here.

Online Resources for Electronic Accessibility & Assistive Technologies - View websites that provide information on current research, services, products, tools, and resources to assist educators in meeting the learning needs of individuals with disabilities.

The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) is known for its development of innovative, technology-based educational resources and strategies based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

The Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd) supports leadership at state and local education agencies to integrate instructional technology for all students to achieve high educational standards.  CITEd provides this support through identification of best practices, innovative online technical assistance tools, professional development, and communities of practice.