Friends of MD State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

10/10/2026

Important Updates
Important NLS BARD Updates

NLS continues to update its infrastructure to make improvements to BARD. To take advantage of these improvements, patrons’ devices must be running one of the more recent versions of the BARD software.

Listed for each of the platforms or products below is the minimum required version. If your preferred platform or product is not running the minimum software required version, it will not be able to connect to BARD after December 31:

BARD Mobile for iOS: v. 2.2.5
BARD Mobile for Android: v. 2.1.1
BARD Mobile for Fire OS: v. 2.5.6
To check your software version on iOS, Android, and Fire devices, simply open the BARD Mobile app and choose Settings. Swipe through the Settings options until you reach BARD. The software version will be displayed here.

BARD Express: Current software, v. 4.0
Once you have opened the BARD Express application and logged in, you can find your version by pressing Alt H for Help. Once Help is launched, select About, and the software version will be displayed.

NLS eReaders: Current software, v. 3.0
From the Main Menu of the NLS eReader, arrow down to Settings, and press Enter. Arrow down to About, press Enter again, and your version will be displayed.

DA2 Player: v. 1.2.1
Turn the player on and hold down the Info button until you hear “Entering Menu.” Info is an orange square button in the center of the device with the letter I in braille on the button itself. From the Menu, use the Next button (right arrow with the letter R in braille) and the Prev button (left arrow with the letter L in braille) to navigate through the options, and use the Info button to select options. Select Settings from the menu and navigate to About from the Settings submenu. Press the Info button to select About, and the software version will be spoken.

Note: There are no minimum software requirements for accessing the BARD website or using the My Talking Books skill.

We strongly encourage everyone to keep their devices running the latest version of the BARD software to take advantage of security updates and performance improvements. If you require additional assistance discovering which software version you are currently using, please contact the Reference Desk at [email protected] or at 410-230-2443.

10/07/2026

LBPD Logo
Maryland LBPD Newsletter:
October 2026

A newsletter from the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

Contact the library: 410-230-2424 | lbpd.maryland.gov | [email protected]

John Owen at an outreach table

Director's Corner

October brings change - leaves turning red and yellow and orange, a crisp coolness in the air, and every food imaginable now has pumpkin spice in it. And coinciding with World Braille Awareness and Dyslexia Awareness, LBPD is recognizing October as Print Disabilities Awareness Month.

We have a wonderful slate of programs planned for the month including viewing and discussing the film BRAILLED IT! and a series of webinars on dyslexia. You can register using links in this newsletter.

LBPD will recognize our volunteers at the Friends of the MDLBPD Annual Meeting on October 24. Our volunteers help us with circulating and maintaining books and equipment, teaching assistive technology classes, and narrating books in our recording studio. Their work helps make LBPD a success. In addition to recognizing volunteers, the Friends have prepared an exciting program with a keynote speaker, door prizes, and awards.

We will be undergoing refurbishments in our Technical Services workspace over the next few months. New flooring, furniture, and spaces will create a better workflow for our staff to get materials out to you. While these enhancements are being made, staff and equipment will be relocated to other parts of the building, so service to you will continue uninterrupted. We will keep you posted on our progress.

You will also want to try out the new BARD Web Player, which will allow you to listen to books on BARD directly on your computer on the BARD website.



Enjoy these changes in October and know that one thing doesn’t change: our commitment to providing excellent customer service to you, our patrons and partners!



October is Officially
Print Disabilities Month in Maryland

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD), a division of the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA), is proud to announce that Governor Wes Moore has officially declared October 2026 as Print Disabilities Month in Maryland.



This statewide acknowledgment honors Marylanders who have print disabilities and emphasizes the need for equitable access to reading and information. It also acknowledges the LBPD's role in offering accessible books, providing training in assistive technology, conducting educational programs, organizing community engagement events, and providing other services that help Marylanders participate in reading, learning, working, going to school, and engaging with the community.

Throughout October, join us in the celebration, learn about the various ways people experience print disabilities, and help us promote the idea that reading should be accessible to everyone.

October Technology User Group Meeting

On Saturday, October 3, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) was pleased to welcome Elizabeth Whitaker from Freedom Scientific, who detailed the latest changes in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. She reviewed what’s new, what’s helpful, and what’s on the horizon with these products. She also took a

quick look at “Sharky,” the virtual assistant built into Freedom Scientific products.

The presentation was recorded and will be made available on our podcast channel as well as our website in the coming weeks.

Listen to Past TUG Recordings

You can listen to past Technology User Group meetings via the library's website. The meetings are listed in alphabetical order.

You can also listen to the Technology User Group meetings on our parent agency's podcast channel. Not only will you find the TUG meetings, you will also find LBPD Guest Hour, where LPBD interviews a new guest organization each month.

A woman using a smartphone

A New BARD
Tool Is Here


Beginning September 1, NLS launched a beta test of the new NLS BARD Web Reader. This upcoming feature will let patrons listen to their BARD books directly from a PC and, if they use the BARD Alexa skill, seamlessly switch playback to an Alexa device without losing their place. The final version was scheduled for release to all patrons on September 30, bringing a smoother, more flexible reading experience to anyone who relies on BARD.

Youth Events and Programs
Book buddy Adventures

Book Buddy Adventures
Welcome to our first installment of the Book Buddy Program! Our special animal companions are here to spark your imagination. You can keep up with their library adventures by following our LBPD REMIND updates. Each month through December, we will feature new Book Buddies. While our Book Buddies stay comfortable inside the library, all braille and audiobook titles from their recommended reading lists are available for you to borrow. You can request one book, or request all of them. Be sure to visit them on display in the library — you can drop by to say hello or sit down and share a story with them!

Sludge the Detective Dog

Sludge is a very observant pup who used to help a famous detective solve mysteries. While he may look like he is napping, Sludge is actually listening intently to every word you say, looking for clues to the next great secret.

Sludge’s love for reading began when he realized that books are like puzzles — every page brings you one step closer to the truth. He isn't a fan of "mushy" things, but he will make an exception for a good story read by a friend.

Recommended Reading List:
Nate the Great and the Tardy Tortoise by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat DB044115
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler BR006988
The Falcon’s Feathers: A to Z Mysteries, Book 6 by Ron Roy BR017960

Barnaby the Brave Bear

Barnaby is a soft, deep chocolate brown bear who believes that every hour should be an Enchanted Hour. He spent many years in a library in the woods, where he learned that the sound of a human voice reading aloud is the most magical sound in the world.

Barnaby loves reading because it helps him learn about the changing seasons. He is particularly fond of stories that describe the beauty of nature and the magic of friendship. He is the perfect buddy for a quiet, cozy afternoon.

Recommended Reading List:
Looking at Bears by Dorothy Hinshaw Paten BR010479
Father Bear Comes Home by Else Holmelund Minarik DB044774
Wisdom of the Woods: 40 Nature Poems Passed Down from Bear to Bear by Rachel Piercey DB137992

Sammy the Squirrel

Sammy is a quick and curious squirrel who lives in the cozy canopy of a tall oak tree. He spends his days collecting acorns and listening from high branches as visitors read stories in the park.

Sammy loves reading because it takes his imagination to new heights, jumping from one exciting plot twist to another just like leaping from branch to branch. He is an energetic listener who loves fast-paced adventures and silly tales.

Recommended Reading List:
Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt DB119193
Squirrel Meets World: Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Book 1 by Shannon Hale BR021919
Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo BR020592

Expanded Library Resources
Your LBPD account offers more than just textbooks! If you need to update your contact information or would like to request specific titles for the upcoming semester, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Adult Events and Programs
Movie Poster

BRAILLED IT Movie Viewing Party and Discussion

Experience BRAILLED IT, a powerful documentary that puts cameras in the hands of young blind and low-vision competitors as they take on the Braille Challenge and celebrate skill, ambition, and the power of literacy. Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD), Friends of Maryland LBPD, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), and Artifact Studios invite audiences nationwide to watch the film and join a special virtual discussion. Register below to receive access to the film and sign up for the nationwide discussion.

Learn More and Register Here
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GHabdBagYCuLYwuj8zgjvLQ4L_GtRvTq4mAtCLaCKNAV71Pof5uAKx4NBdsx28I0OD6i21O0l2i17iLBz6__EIDbmKoEjo4UwP2-eu14uxEAS3QjZUMGZJRTosNCUJuTJ7NyfthH03J0N9EsMD1iCJoCHUd07WnbbOpFOYUaPXqT9VoOl0qSZamwdiCC245h&c=HaJ-9UZu-mpWkmW-DE-UI66rybr1ckzzFEixNBFneix-Mz3oCauqVQ==&ch=cE_yctZcZ51W09Z0-gzNpRzW8RQO6zKdAK3NTuwZGSLezCTbGGtaNg==

IEPS and Print Disabilities
Print Disability Events this October

This October, Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) recognizes Print Disabilities Month, highlighting the many ways visual, physical, and reading disabilities can affect a person’s ability to read standard print. Throughout the month, LBPD will offer a series of free online programs exploring braille literacy, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), the neuroscience of dyslexia, and stroke-acquired dyslexia. Educators, families, disability organizations, library professionals, and members of the public are invited to attend, learn more about print disabilities, and discover resources that support accessible reading.

Events Include:

IEPs and Print Disabilities: October 20, live on Zoom.
The Neuroscience of Dyslexia: October 22, live on Zoom.
Stroke and Dyslexia: October 27, live on Zoom
Learn more and Register Here

https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GHabdBagYCuLYwuj8zgjvLQ4L_GtRvTq4mAtCLaCKNAV71Pof5uAKx4NBdsx28I0oUOyzKLv7YiecNkhf254RNUTyyihTUJ-6y52lmThbjAFWwJXlNbyv8VWzRks6fgfc0vhT2ZKznseuyNDlSgL1Mct_F2sHiGqVD5jlG6tFBotnUZ0gS2sWS-MA7VerphxGwDDoQvWVOM=&c=HaJ-9UZu-mpWkmW-DE-UI66rybr1ckzzFEixNBFneix-Mz3oCauqVQ==&ch=cE_yctZcZ51W09Z0-gzNpRzW8RQO6zKdAK3NTuwZGSLezCTbGGtaNg==

Book Cover
Marylandia Recommendation

Maryland Legends: Folklore from the Old Line State, by Trevor J. Blank, narrated by Barbara Anderson

DBC 12456

The demon car of Seven Hills Road, the ominous Hell House above the Patapsco River, the mythical Snallygaster of western Maryland – these are the extraordinary tales and bizarre creatures that color Maryland's folklore. The Blue Dog of Port To***co faithfully guards his master's gold even in death, and in Cambridge, the headless ghost of Big Liz watches over the treasure of Greenbriar Swamp. The woods of Prince George's County are home to stories of the menacing Goatman, while on stormy nights at the nearby University of Maryland, the strains of a ghostly piano float from Marie Mount Hall. The authors unravel legends of Maryland from the storied heroics of the First Maryland Regiment in the Revolutionary War to the mystery of the Edgar Allen Poe Toaster.

Attn: Braille and Large Print Patrons

Please remember to return your Large Print and Braille bags when you are finished with your reading materials. These bags help us send books and materials to library patrons across Maryland. When bags are not returned, we have fewer available to ship materials to others who are waiting for their next books. We also ask that you do not write on the bags. If you need to send a note to the library, please include it inside the bag itself.

Thank you for helping us keep our library services running smoothly!

Living Life as a VIP Group Meetings

The new "Living Life as a VIP: Not Just Surviving" support group, led by Lydia Richardson, will meet on the third Friday of each month to provide a welcoming space for the blind and low vision community to share experiences and enjoy spending time together. Whether people are newly blind or have been blind their entire lives, this space encourages everyone to live fully, not just survive. The group gives an opportunity to meet new people, make connections and have a little fun.

"Living Life as a VIP: Not Just Surviving" meets on the third Friday of each month in the meeting room of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. EST.

This meeting is free and open to the public. To give the organizers a headcount, please register below.

Registration Link
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GHabdBagYCuLYwuj8zgjvLQ4L_GtRvTq4mAtCLaCKNAV71Pof5uAKx4NBdsx28I01cOjCm5cJekgqkKBSkc7QuHXGJqx9Tm1dpk0wdJZvYdcWtEGpi2X553CcpAZ7MXEywkqnEIcJvOFeCvhxyy7t7yy5zTLvZd3oqex-KV7s_Cank8RBKBWEWh4H-evBwxvpcmi4ripYUdufjUu390vouC2NJX-F9aN&c=HaJ-9UZu-mpWkmW-DE-UI66rybr1ckzzFEixNBFneix-Mz3oCauqVQ==&ch=cE_yctZcZ51W09Z0-gzNpRzW8RQO6zKdAK3NTuwZGSLezCTbGGtaNg==

Living Life as a VIP Meeting Notice

10/07/2026

Upcoming Library Events


Contact the Library:
410-230-2430 | lbpd.maryland.gov

[email protected]

Join us for these great events!

October is Print Disabilities Month at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and we have a full month of exciting programs planned!

We’re kicking things off with a nationwide watch party featuring the critically acclaimed documentary BRAILLED IT, followed by a special panel discussion exploring the film and the power of braille literacy.

Throughout the month, we’ll keep the conversation going with programs exploring IEPs and advocacy for students with print disabilities, the fascinating neuroscience behind dyslexia, and how a stroke can lead to acquired dyslexia in adults.

BRAILLED IT Movie Watch Party

October 7 - October 13

Registration Link
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RiOl82HLSYUKVXHA2u7VuqXdxiBrJbfCsU25MPLsyLteK5FUJw81XReWcnKTxZfrZmDGvcuAKcuSCCATSLaVF8eIUyvQan94bBKTSiEAp4BUXzqJhQx-YxCSOp-Y70KSUwtPUMoMzlFaQBVR2GPRkJtvuPfae1jLiBW1Fl43ZcfFzk7Lg-wJsF8I1QFAhwdehLWAAPiJzP7gzyLVja_R38_d11hixj15e0C67ZoQmtQ=&c=R42mcGBTrm4GF39B2mv9mYw6rEjdXV2jKPjf7MFaNw8iREGBjpatEw==&ch=6c9Y4oKWw2qlUZBRJjhz26FAPocPFv8IlUPDQ-0TV4Sm-oWM84Ji_g==

Maryland LBPD, the Friends of Maryland LBPD, and Artifact Studios is proud to invite you to watch the movie in preparation for the October 13, 2026 movie discussion. Please register here to obtain access to the movie. The film will only be viewable from October 7, 2026 through October 13, 2026 and registration is required.

Movie Description
Every year, the top under-18 Braille readers and writers from across the English-speaking world gather in Los Angeles to compete in the Braille Challenge. For one weekend, blind and low-vision kids are no longer the minority in the room. They make new friends, face off against old rivals, and chase a rare chance to be recognized not for their disability, but for their skill.

In BRAILLED IT, the camera is placed directly in their hands. As the kids document the competition themselves, their fragmented imagery and candid moments of nerves, boredom, joy, and triumph invite audiences to experience the event on their terms. Designed with audio description and accessibility at its core–not as an afterthought but as a fundamental creative tool–the film shifts authorship and perspective to the community on screen, revealing a world defined not by limitation, but by mastery, ambition, and the transformative power of literacy.



BRAILLED IT is proud to partner with All4Access. To experience the film in real time using braille, download the All4Access app.

BRAILLED IT Panel Discussion

Tuesday, October 13

7:00 p.m. EST

Registration Link
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RiOl82HLSYUKVXHA2u7VuqXdxiBrJbfCsU25MPLsyLteK5FUJw81XReWcnKTxZfrrvoYW4HjaJuuSRxYncRXMIcd5XYVEA4wJfqxeeLJQUAh2uOh1fg0rEApmQWoRxmVrQaVbSx3iNN87Abv373HGHjjurNUNw7S-lfK7RzmPE2_E_oYsyjGsZqQ9BO_TNFqzJ_3NaH5VSqOPShWC1N-Zh-96AUz-L-50gS9R3TixbQ=&c=R42mcGBTrm4GF39B2mv9mYw6rEjdXV2jKPjf7MFaNw8iREGBjpatEw==&ch=6c9Y4oKWw2qlUZBRJjhz26FAPocPFv8IlUPDQ-0TV4Sm-oWM84Ji_g==

Join us for a special panel discussion exploring BRAILLED IT, a documentary that puts the camera directly into the hands of young Braille readers and writers competing in the Braille Challenge.

Hear more about the experiences captured in the film, the importance of Braille literacy, and how accessibility and audio description were incorporated as fundamental parts of the filmmaking process. The conversation will also explore what it means for blind and low-vision young people to tell their own stories and be recognized for their skill, ambition, and achievements.

The discussion will be moderated by Hadley and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).

IEPs and Print Disabilities

Tuesday, October 20

7:00 p.m. EST

Registration Link
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RiOl82HLSYUKVXHA2u7VuqXdxiBrJbfCsU25MPLsyLteK5FUJw81XReWcnKTxZfrcYV387LnbtgojD48esq-Pvm90hlmINcJVjP0NSnBMfuAmg5InGl1Vd45hTccWk-R6PEHP6TPj5JHCPA1hbYLtMVX9HJxszcrooAwb1eBMc7umOKp4cILUL53nNuKDcNJjEQul0nxPpUcnBu3EI2kTw==&c=R42mcGBTrm4GF39B2mv9mYw6rEjdXV2jKPjf7MFaNw8iREGBjpatEw==&ch=6c9Y4oKWw2qlUZBRJjhz26FAPocPFv8IlUPDQ-0TV4Sm-oWM84Ji_g==

Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, especially when you're advocating for a child with a print disability, which may include visual, physical, or reading disabilities such as dyslexia. Join a panel featuring an education attorney, a parent advocate, and a dyslexia specialist who will explain what an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is, what it is not, and how it differs from a Section 504 Plan. The discussion will also explore when families should consider working with an educational advocate and what that support can look like throughout the process. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to better understand your rights and options, this program will provide practical information to help you advocate with confidence.

Neuroscience of Dyslexia

Thursday, October 22

7:00 p.m. EST

Registration Link
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RiOl82HLSYUKVXHA2u7VuqXdxiBrJbfCsU25MPLsyLteK5FUJw81XReWcnKTxZfryQdJQDeF3zI_d5t6_JDn9Ky1fo69qby_jJGgH0Nv3VOz4fZ2QRO3mlCQC65_zEKS6qVnnqWdY6NGpMekRkr8Kkg58MztpcLJGsihFA1yz1YtPx1Z8aqWHrfaRK4Ws0a69t5g1zcog-NsnhbPCiN6c78U859PwLHSXHkRFt0F27o=&c=R42mcGBTrm4GF39B2mv9mYw6rEjdXV2jKPjf7MFaNw8iREGBjpatEw==&ch=6c9Y4oKWw2qlUZBRJjhz26FAPocPFv8IlUPDQ-0TV4Sm-oWM84Ji_g==

In this talk, Dr. Donald Bolger will discuss the neuroscience of Dyslexia and how the new definition of Dyslexia released in October by the International Dyslexia Association reflects 20 years of new research and thinking. Dr. Bolger will discuss cognitive and neurobiological research on reading difficulties and how it shapes our thinking about a "constellation approach" from a scientific perspective. He will discuss how diagnosis takes shape under this approach and what factors we should pay attention to. Lastly, he will discuss how brain science supports foundational principles of explicit, systematic intervention approaches.

Stroke and Dyslexia

Tuesday, October 27

7:00 p.m. EST

Registration Link
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RiOl82HLSYUKVXHA2u7VuqXdxiBrJbfCsU25MPLsyLteK5FUJw81XReWcnKTxZfrbJxGXb5cfewkEylm1bhq0Yas49qokW8iGDaV8hxUKB5g9z3K-yxmMe5L1KUUESgXGdEr7MsG7EHIDgyGXNUhmkaU9JcnimdpED-_3CdYMXyYyldQu6XuALLQGEYhNnYTZMrwIeLFI6Mxgd3vK7T_isyJhp6_QEI9&c=R42mcGBTrm4GF39B2mv9mYw6rEjdXV2jKPjf7MFaNw8iREGBjpatEw==&ch=6c9Y4oKWw2qlUZBRJjhz26FAPocPFv8IlUPDQ-0TV4Sm-oWM84Ji_g==

Learn about the types of reading difficulties that individuals may experience after a stroke, often referred to as "acquired dyslexia." Some of these difficulties may be similar to traditional print difficulties related to low vision or vision loss, but others are quite different. While reading may seem “easy” and “automatic”, it may become suddenly very difficult after a stroke. You will learn about the different mental operations that are involved in the very complex task of reading. Because of this complexity, a stroke may disrupt different components of the reading process, leading to distinct types of deficits. We will discuss some of the different types of deficits that have been identified and how testing can be used to identify them. This talk is being given by Dr. Barbara Rapp.

10/02/2026

This just in from TUG's Jerry Price:
LBPD Technology User Group (TUG)
Meeting Announcement

Contact the Library:

lbpd.maryland.gov | 410-230-2430

[email protected]




LBPD TUG boiler plate
iOS 27

Saturday, October 3, 2026

10:00 a.m. EST

Meeting will be recorded

On Saturday, October 3rd , the Technology User Group (TUG) is showcasing

an incredible event you will not want to miss. iOS 27 is packed with some

of the most ambitious accessibility upgrades Apple has attempted in

years: customizable VoiceOver that adapts to your style, a noticeably

sharper and more intuitive Siri, and a suite of new low vision tools designed

to make everyday navigation smoother and easier to use. We will present

an honest look at what Apple got right, where the rough edges still show,

and how these changes can shape your daily tech routine. If you care

about accessibility, rely on VoiceOver, or simply want to stay ahead of the

curve, your presence matters. Come ready to explore, evaluate, and be

part of the conversation that helps our community get the most out of iOS

27.

The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last sixty minutes.


Zoom Link:
https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/j/6562037293?omn=94648805523

Call In Numbers
1-301-715-8592

Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

10/01/2026

Annual Fall Hike-a-Thon Cancelled for 2026

The Friends of the Library for the Blind in conjunction with original planner Robyn Hughes were forced to cancel the hike along the Braille Trail in the Hilton Area of the Patapsco State park originally scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, September 27 because of an exceptionally rainy weekend. This combined fundraiser/picnic raises funds for LBPD staff to use for special outreach programs and supplies such as badges, medals, and popular library swag. Participants are always encouraged to donate to the library by accessing the Friends website whether or not they participate in the hike. We have usually had excellent fall weather for this event, and look forward to having it on the last Sunday, September 2027.

10/01/2026

Staff Appreciation Event, Friday, September 25

On a beautiful late-summer morning, the Friends of the Library for the Blind rolled out the green carpet and presented the hardworking library staff with a fun plant/decorating craft project in appreciation for all they do for the patrons and the blind and print disabled community in Maryland. When everyone entered the LBPD meeting room they were welcomed by Friends President Melissa Riccobono and then took their seats at tables festooned with little wooden boxes, tactile stickers, scented markers and a selection of herbs: basil, mint, and chocolate mint. Everyone set about choosing their plant, decorating their little boxes, and adorning everything with stickers (and in some cases, themselves) as Friend Janice Samuel explained the objective of the event, the importance of growing things, making a difference in the community, and enjoying the company of others as they created their desk decoration. There were even some cute little artificial plants in pots to accommodate employees whose offices did not have windows. Friend Janet Sanford had a list of birth plants by month and visited all the tables, asked about staff birthdays, and told the staff which plants were designated for their month. Interesting to note that there were NO staff born in September and two Friends members Janet Sanford and Ellen Ringlein share the same birth day. A great thank you goes to the subcommittee of Friends that devised this project and procured the supplies. Barbara Cheadle, Dezman Jackson, and Janice Samuel met several times to discuss ideas and work things out.
Director John Owen called each staffer up to the podium to distribute gift bags, and asked each one to relate a plant story, good or bad, or to think up a favorite song about a plant. Assistant Director Mary Ramos came up with the hit wonder Otis Redding tune: “Sitting on the Dock of the Bas-il.” Much laughter and bantering ensued as everyone helped themselves to a tasty lunch of sandwiches, salad, wraps, chips, and bottled water, with a sheet cake proclaiming “Happy Birthday to the Staff” and an ice cream bar consisting of vanilla ice cream, and toppings: nuts, Swedish fish, sprinkles, cherries, cookie bits, chocolate and caramel syrup, and whipped cream! Many thanks to Executive Secretary of Friends Cynthia York for securing and setting up this amazing repast.
Most of the Friends were on hand for this creative and relaxing event, enabling this reporter to capture a group photo to update the Friends page cover picture. Friend Gary Legates wins the award for coming all the way from Westminster with guide dog in tow to participate in the fun.
The Friends cleaned up, and the staff returned to their work stations sporting a handsome wooden box with a healthy culinary herb and a little artificial one to remind them of how important their jobs are to the community they serve.

What a perfect way for the staff to meet the newly elected Friends and enjoy lunch with them, and for the Friends to interact with the staff on a beautiful Friday in September. A great green round of applause to all the Friends who enjoy supporting the staff in a whimsical way, and to the staff for all their hard work over the year!
Many thanks to Barb Cheadle for finding the wooden boxes, Janice Samuel for getting the herbs, Janet Sanford for supplying the stickers and markers, Melissa Riccobono for the staff gifts, and Dezman Jackson for assisting at the podium and providing team spirit.

Images:
plants, gift bags, empty room setup, group photo of Friends, cake, Mike Davis treasurer, Mary Ramos staff, decorated plant, John Owen Director, staff at tables, Melissa Riccobono President of Friends.

09/28/2026

Friends member Marla Migdal has written a comprehensive article on Dyslexia in commemoration of October as Dyslexia Awareness Month.

My Dyslexia Story
By Marla Migdal Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist

According to the International Dyslexia Association, 15% to 20% of the population has characteristics of dyslexia. During the fall of 2025, the IDA updated the definition to state that: “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography.” The term Specific Learning Disability is recognized by the US Department of Education through the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia all fall under the Specific Learning Disability category. In fact, as of 2015, The Department of Education wrote a “Dear Colleague” letter to school systems stating that they can use the term Dyslexia. I had a Masters in Special Education and I could not figure out how to teach my children how to read, write, and comprehend on grade level. I quit teaching and took a course called Bowman Orton Gillingham Plus by Dr. Fran Bowman. I had to drive from Brunswick, Maryland which is on the border of West Virginia to Baltimore County everyday in rush hour both ways for 10 days. I stayed up late selling spices to pay for the class that I put on my credit card because I knew that this one course would be life changing. This one class led to taking a graduate certificate level course from Notre Dame of Maryland University and I was privileged to learn from teachers from the Jemicy School in Baltimore County. At the same time, I was mentored by Dr. Fran Bowman and she provided a practicum for me for the next year so I could become a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist. I absorbed every new strategy and concept and I learned what my two children needed to read, write, and comprehend on grade level. I now had the knowledge, vocabulary, and credentials to go forward. I realized this was not just my family's problem and I was able to connect and educate others in my area. The first problem was identification of Dyslexia. The characteristics are not all the same from person to person. The presentation of Dyslexia can vary across severity and impact reading at the word level, fluency, spelling, and comprehension. Students struggle with a range of cognitive profiles and variance with the phonological processing systems. Environmental factors and genetic differences are now included into the definition. In my case, I didn’t think I had a family history but I was wrong. As with my family, many family members were just not identified. My father was held back and struggled in school. His parents were immigrants and had to leave school to work. However, “As many as 49% of parents of kids with dyslexia also have it and about 40% of siblings will also struggle with reading.” Therefore, a family positive history whether there is formal or informal collection of data needs to be added as a risk factor when determining identification of Dyslexia. Moreover, “Dyslexia and ADHD can co-occur between 25-40%” and can be identified with one condition that exhibits characteristics of the other. Working memory weakness can overlap with ADHD and Dyslexia. Many students are identified with ADHD but not dyslexia and many that are underidentified are students of color. In 2016, MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) released a Technical Assistant Bulletin with a focus on Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia with guidelines for school systems to identify Specific Learning Disability and the importance on using the terms Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia. The bulletin stated: “There is nothing in Maryland law, policy, procedures, or practices that prohibits use of these terms dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia-by IEP teams as it relates to evaluations, eligibility, and IEP documents.” Yet ten years later, many counties across Maryland are failing to identify students with Dyslexia. Numerous counties may identify Specific Learning Disabilities but fail to use the term Dyslexia or Dysgraphia which impacts writing and spelling. The rationale is that using the term Dyslexia by many counties is not necessary for the student to still receive services. This is not true. I spend hours weekly rewriting IEP goals and supporting families fighting for appropriate interventions. This was a three year process for us along with numerous IEP meetings, outside testing by specialists, and three mediation agreements averaging roughly 20 hours for my son. For my daughter, I had to write a State Complaint and request additional testing along with paying for outside testing to finally get them to identify her with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. Unfortunately, my struggle as a parent is still the struggle for many parents across the state of Maryland. In the end, I could not rely on the school system to reduce the learning gap. I had to provide tutoring for over five years for my son without a summer break. My daughter attended a private school for two years with a focus on students with language based learning disabilities and then she returned to public school in 7th grade. The updated definition also added “Psychological well-being” as part of the updated definition. The self-esteem of students is greatly impacted and many feel “stupid”. Both my children have expressed this throughout their journey. As a family, we decided to advocate for the Ready to Read Act which supports early identification and provides requirements by school systems to screen kindergarten through third graders for reading difficulties. My daughter and son spoke in Annapolis and this bill was passed in 2019. Early identification and intervention is key to reducing the learning gap. This was an important bill that needed to be passed and many parents and educators advocated because many families can’t afford to pay for tutors or provide support with a private school. My son will be graduating college this year with a focus on graduate school while my daughter will be graduating high school and applying to college. Accommodations are key for them in higher education in order for them to access grade level material. However, accommodations do not replace direct, explicit, multimodal, cumulative, and sequential instruction in phonics, spelling, and fluency.
To learn more about dyslexia, follow these links: https://dyslexiaida.org/ and www.understood.org

Understood.org is a nonprofit that translates trusted knowledge about ADHD, dyslexia, and other forms of neurodivergence into clear guidance, practical tools, and community support.