LINC's Projects
In 1999 LINC provided services to persons with disabilities through restricted funding in the following projects.
The TechWorks Project is a major initiative which began in October 1998 and will continue through 2001. TechWorks is spearheaded by LINC in conjunction with The Baltimore Association for Retarded Citizens (BARC) and workFirst, Inc. The goals of the project are to: 1. find technology-related employment for people with cognitive and multiple disabilities; 2. provide pre-job technology training;
3. provide on-the-job training, technical support, and worksite accommodations; and 4. provide computer training for special education students who are transitioning out of Baltimore City public schools. Special consideration is being given to residents of Baltimore’s Empowerment Zone. To find out how you can participate, call 410-296-9675, and ask for the TechWorks Project. The TechWorks Project is funded by The U.S. Office of Education.
The Family-School Technology Partnership (FaST-LINC) is a project in five Baltimore City Public Schools where children with disabilities, their teachers and parents are learning to use computers to improve children’s academic achievement, reading, thinking skills, and self-esteem. Teachers have received training in how to use computer technology, adaptive equipment, and software to help support children with disabilities in the classroom. The program supports the inclusive education of children in their neighborhood schools. The Maryland State Department of Education and the Baltimore City Public Schools fund this project.
The Internet/World Wide Web Access Center is designed for people with disabilities, their families, professionals, and employers. Individuals have one-on-one consultations with LINC staff to learn to use special equipment and software to explore the Internet, attend workshops where they learn how to access the Internet, also and learn about a number of valuable resources. The USF&G Foundation and the France-Merrick Foundation funded this project.
The Home Services Project brings adaptive computer technology to homebound individuals and people who find it difficult to travel to LINC. LINC’s technology staff assist these individuals in selecting, acquiring, using, and maintaining assistive technology and computer-based communication and environmental control devices. Persons served have disabilities such as ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, quadriplegia, and blindness. This project is funded by The Maryland Home & Community Care Foundation.
The Summer Arts Program offers a unique opportunity for children with and without disabilities to be involved in computer-based art activities. Children work and socialize together, improve their computer skills, participate in cooperative learning situations, and gain a greater appreciation of the arts. They use the adaptive technology and software resources available at LINC’s Resource Center to create their own works of graphic art. They also participate in trips to arts organizations and meet successful artists who have disabilities.
The goal of The Baltimore City Outreach Project is to increase the use of needed assistive technology by children with disabilities living in low and moderate-income areas of Baltimore City. This will enable them to learn and apply new skills at school, at home and in the community. The project is establishing new contacts with inner city families who have children with disabilities through increased outreach efforts and by providing direct services for additional families and children. This project is funded by The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund.
Tech for Tots is a project that introduces adaptive technology to very young children, their parents, and therapists in a state-funded early intervention program. This project is offered in different counties each year. This project is funded by The Maryland State Department of Education Infants and Toddlers Program.
Read Connections Articles about Projects at LINC