Technology has revolutionized the mainstream workplace and marketplace. It has changed the way we send and receive information, and even the way we talk to one another. However, the reality of recent developments of the Information Age is that, for many reasons, many people with disabilities do not have access to the technology that provides information access.

To respond to the needs of underserved communities in Baltimore City, LINC embarked on an important Outreach Project. The project's start-up funds were from the proceeds from the January 2001 10th Anniversary concert that featured Wynton Marsalis, his father Ellis Marsalis, Jr., and the Dunbar Jazz Ensemble. Building on the success of the concert, LINC formed a committee of representatives from a number of inner-city organizations that serve persons with disabilities. They were asked to help LINC spread the word about the vital services being offered, and to refer adults and children with disabilities in underserved communities to LINC. Participants included representatives from Best Buddies, the Baltimore Afro-American, Mercantile-Safe Deposit & Trust Co., Coppin State College, WEAA- Radio, WMAR-TV, Enoch Pratt Library, BARC, The Learning Bank, Maryland Disability Law Center, Dr. Roland Patterson Senior Academy, Baltimore Urban League, and Jewish Vocational Services.

LINC’s goal the first year was to reach and serve a very specific population— youngsters and adults in poor City neighborhoods; to offer valuable technology education and training; and to maintain their consistent participation over a long period of time. LINC’s overall mission is to assist children and adults with disabilities to maneuver the rapidly changing world of computers to find out what is right for them. Everyone agreed that extra attention was needed to ensure that those outside the normal reach would also receive these vital services.

LINC staff knows that evaluating their needs and finding the technology to fill them is a process that takes time—time to explore, to experiment, to learn. LINC hopes that these efforts will result in positive outcomes that range from better performance in reading and math for students to the acquisition of solid technology skills that lead to gainful employment. LINC hopes these services will nourish the self-esteem and bolster the self-confidence of children, teenagers & adults who participate.

Because of LINC's aggressive outreach efforts, overall membership increased by 58% in one year. Of new memberships in 2001, 52% of the familes received financial aid. LINC continues its work to reach more individuals who typically have been underserved or neglected in their needs for accessible computers, electronic aides to daily living, and communication systems.