The board received a demonstration and update from the Utah School for the Deaf and Blinds (USDB) accessibility and assistive-technology team, which now provides both high-tech and low-tech educational tools statewide. Presenters said the schools manufacturing lab (ALMC) 3D-prints tactile items, laser-cuts adapted learning aids and produces low-tech manipulatives that districts request, and that the program is the only school-operated shop of its kind in the nation.

Quentin (last name withheld at presentation), a blind accessibility lead who uses the tools daily, described reviewing websites and materials for accessibility and helping teachers adapt devices and workflows for students who are visually impaired. USDB staff said the shop also opens professional development and loaner-device pathways for teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) across Utah.

USDB staff noted exponential growth in orders: they reported being about 800 orders ahead of last year and said turnaround on many items is roughly 30 days, depending on complexity. Because some devices costs are high (staff mentioned specialized electronic devices costing up to the mid-five-figures), USDB Foundation grants and loan programs play a key role funding pilot loans and demonstrations before districts purchase permanent equipment.

Superintendents and board members praised the work and recommended planning for capacity growth. USDB leaders said they have added staff (including staff with visual impairment) and plan further professional-development sessions for districts and TVIs; they also said the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is aware of the ALMCs approach and has taken interest in expanding similar models.

USDB also told the board it will seek contract renewals and funding through its normal channels and confirmed the ALMC is operating under current approvals.