Since its inception, Learning Independence Through Computers (LINC), which is a nonprofit computer resource center for individuals with disabilities, has been striving to help individuals with disabilities increase their independence in everyday life. One of the most recent programs LINC has been affiliated with is the Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program. In Maryland, children from birth to age three who are experiencing developmental delay, are eligible for early intervention services through the Infants and Toddlers Program. Many children under the age of three have been identified as having special challenges, and as research indicates, early intervention can often reduce the discrepancies between a child with a disability and one without.

It is LINC's goal to help empower staff and families associated with the program through the use of technology. The technology may be as simple as a single switch activating a toy or as complex as a computer with many adaptive devices. LINC feels strongly that services be provided for the children, their families, and the family centered early intervention staff since all are crucial for growth and development--it takes the whole village to educate a child.

LINC has been providing a variety of services for local County Infants and Toddlers Programs for the past two years in an effort to help infants and toddlers with challenges hit the ground running. The services include workshops which introduce parents and staff members to software and hardware which is available for early learning. This incorporates a variety of software titles as well as demonstrations of such peripherals as an expanded keyboard, single switch, speech synthesis, or touch screen.

In addition, LINC has also provided opportunities for family and staff to try out software via consultations. The consultations have been provided to nearly forty families. During a consultation, LINC's Education Technology Coordinator provides a one-on-one hands on opportunity for infants and toddlers to try out computers, adaptive equipment, appropriate software and switch-activated toys. Parents have a chance to observe and ask questions. Other services available to these families are access to LINC's software loan library, equipment loan library, technical support via telephone, and access to all computer software and equipment at the LINC Center during Open Lab sessions.

Furthermore, LINC staff members have gone into the community to provide information at parent support group meetings and parent conferences. Staff have also given demonstrations pertaining to the construction of single switches and battery interrupters. In addition, LINC staff provides technical support and purchasing advice for the Infants and Toddlers Centers.

It is our hope here at LINC that these youngsters can continue to use technology to help her become more independent and fulfill his potential.

Infants and Toddlers Program Expands

Building on the success of the Infants and Toddlers Program of the 1994 pilot project, LINC received funding from the State of Maryland to continue and expand its work with children ages zero to three.

In 1995, LINC expanded the program to include families in Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's Counties and in 1996 we moved into Washington & Frederick Counties.

Staff provided consultations, both on-site as well as at the LINC resource center, and technical support, both in person and by phone. In addition, workshops and outreach activities were conducted, more families used the software and equipment local library and open lab services, and hundreds of information bulletins were distributed to center staff and participating families.