Learning Independence Through Computers, inc. (LINC)

Executive Director: Theo Pinette

President: Hugh Evans

Service Description: Assistive Technology, Educational Technology, Computer Services for people with disabilities, professionals and businesses, including assessments, training and technical support

Mission Statement:

Learning Independence Through Computers (LINC) is a consumer-based resource center which provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to use computer technology to achieve independence and productivity in personal and community life.

Membership Fee: 100

Eligibility Requirements: Serves all ages, and all disabilities

Area Served: Throughout Maryland and surrounding state

Hours of Operation/Schedule: 9-5 Monday through Friday

Services Offered: Training, Technical Support, Assessments

History: Learning Independence Through Computers (LINC) was incorporated as a non-profit membership organization and began providing services to the public on April 1, 1991. Its founders were parents and friends of disabled children, and during its first year, LINC focused on offering individual consultations for children with visual and physical disabilities, providing telephone technical support, and conducting workshops for parents and children. Today, LINC is a consumer-based resource center which provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to use computer technology to achieve independence and productivity in personal and community life. LINC has grown steadily, providing services at our resource center in Baltimore (which includes a lending library), in Maryland public schools, at the Division of Rehabilitation Services, through our House Calls Program and at LINC’s annual computer music camp for children. LINC is the Maryland member of the Alliance for Technology Access (ATA), a nationwide network of over 40 community-based organizations that serve more than 100,000 persons annually.

Detailed Organization Information:

 

Mission
Learning Independence Through Computers (LINC) is a consumer-based resource center which provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to use computer technology to achieve independence and productivity in personal and community life.
 
Vision
LINC’s vision for the future is for all individuals in Maryland with a disability to be aware of, know how to use, and be able to access the computer technology which will empower these individuals to achieve independence and improve their quality of life.
 

 

Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) Computer Program delivers services in several schools to students with disabilities who are placed primarily in “inclusive” classrooms. LINC conducts professional development for teachers, helps select appropriate software in core curriculum areas, conducts assessment of students including selection of adaptive technology best suited to each individual, and lends and maintains computers, printers, adaptive technology equipment and software.
 
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program delivers assistive technology (AT) to clients of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, a branch of the Maryland State Department of Education. LINC provides AT evaluations and equipment recommendations, installation and configuration of AT, instruction in how to use equipment and software, and technical support. AT services focus on employment skills, vocational training, post-secondary education support, and independent living skills.
 
Infants & Toddlers Program is a home-based project through the Maryland State Department of Education designed to assist children with disabilities, ages 0-3, develop motor, cognitive, and communication skills through access to computer software, adaptive equipment, sensory toys, and augmentative communication devices.
 
KidSmart Program provides five area schools with colorful, child-sized computer workstations containing educational software. LINC conducts teacher training so these units can be integrated into pre-school and kindergarten classrooms and used with software and assistive technology for children with disabilities. One additional KidSmart work station is available in LINC’s main training center.
 
Computer Arts Camp offers a unique technology-based program for children with and without disabilities. Children work and socialize together, improve their computer skills, and gain a greater appreciation for the arts. They use adaptive technology, digital photography, and graphic arts software to create a website, art projects, and multi-media presentations. Children go on trips to local cultural venues and meet with guest speakers and performers, including successful musicians who have disabilities.
 
House Calls Program brings services to adults and children who are unable to travel. LINC makes long-term loans of adaptive equipment and software. LINC staff configures computers and provides technical support in homes and other residential settings, in hospitals, and over the phone. Participants also receive instruction in the use of equipment and software.
 
Assistive Technology Loan Library houses approximately 250 pieces of adaptive equipment and 600 pieces of software. LINC provides consultation and training to ensure the appropriate equipment and software is selected to meet individual needs. Short and long-term loans are made to individuals participating in specially funded projects and to LINC members. Examples of adaptive equipment and software include: alternative computer activation devices such as mice, switches, trackballs, touch screens, head activation devices, alternative keyboards, and communication devices. The library also has voice recognition software, screen reading software, and software packages that address cause and effect, vocabulary development, critical thinking, categorization, and auditory processing. 
 
Heritage of America / Abilities Group Service Provider Network LINC is approved to receive referrals for services relating to computers and assistive technology services for VA clients through the Heritage of America.

 

Slogan: Empowering People with Disabilities through Technology