Raquel Eisenstein, a very sociable five-year-old , arrived at LINC last March with her Mom. At that time both were not sure of what they would experience here. However, not long into their first visit, Rocky warmed up to her surroundings, made quick friends with Denise Simard, LINC's Education Coordinator, and disbursed smiles to anyone who looked her way. Rocky has cerebral palsy and has limited communication and motor skills. With Rocky's existing side switch on her tray, she was not having a great deal of success with the Early Learning software Denise introduced her to. Denise suggested replacing her switch with the TASH Big Yellow switch mounted via the Universal Mounting System. The switch was positioned on her left side at an approximately 45 degree angle. Very quickly she attained success in activating the switch.

Denise and Rocky went back to the Early Learning software they started with, in scanning mode. What started out as cause and effect responses, quickly escalated to matching and identifying colors on level 3 of the software. When the computer responded "no" to an incorrect answer, Rocky beamed with surprise and smiled a great big smile. She was ecstatic with the control she now had and eagerly went back to work to identify the colors--yellow, red, green and blue! Rocky was obviously pleased with her progress and squealed with glee. And to think...this was just her first visit to LINC!

That day was the beginning of a flourishing alliance between LINC and Rocky's entire family. Rocky's Mom, Robin Zimelman, her dad, Larry Eisenstein, sister, Juliet, and brother, Michael, all became fast friends and supporters of LINC. Robin and Larry attended the first Circle of Friends fund-raising party in the Spring; Robin joined LINC's Board of Directors in September; the whole family attended the "Locks for LINC" haircutting fundraiser at Europa Salon in the Fall; and Michael interviewed Denise on assistive technology for his fourth grade report.

Subsequent visits to LINC resulted in slow but sure progress in Rocky's computer skills. To give Rocky an opportunity to "handle" books, Denise suggested they try "The Tortoise and the Hare" from the Living Books Collection. When the cursor was placed over the arrow, Rocky was able to hit the switch and turn the page. Her smiling eyes clearly indicated that she took great pleasure in "reading " her book. The family exercises their membership benefits by borrowing from the equipment loan library. Rocky has borrowed two single switches, a universal mounting system and the AbleNet Powerlink that controls electronic devices.

As a student at the Maryland School for the Blind, Rocky continued her experiences with assistive technology and with LINC through a program Denise administered at the school throughout the Fall semester. Rocky's family worked with LINC staff to determine the best computer setup to buy for their home that would allow Rocky to continue her work and from which the family could reap the most benefits. Mike Birkmire of the LINC staff made a switch-activated, customized mouse for Rocky to use at home.

LINC is happy to have the Eisenstein family as members and look forward to a long and successful relationship. ® (Spring 1998)