LINC received a grant for $15,000 from the Louis B. Thalheimer Foundation to support the the House Calls Project, The project, modeled after a very successful two-year pilot program, brings assistive technology (AT) to adults with disabilities who are unable to travel to LINC because of the severity of their disability, transportation barriers, or other needs. In the pilot project, participants indicated that LINC’s services made a positive difference in the quality of their lives. They learned to operate a computer and use AT and special software. This enabled them to use e-mail to correspond with family and friends, communicate using a computerized voice, word process, access information on the Internet, and speak independently on the telephone.

The House Calls Project will reach individuals who live at home, in long-term care settings, in community living programs, and retirement communities in Baltimore City and County. LINC will provide in-depth services for 12 individuals. Staff will visit clients an average of 5 times per year and the average visit will last 3.5 hours. Services will include: •Evaluation of AT of needs; •Installation and configuration of equipment; •Instruction in the use of AT; •Instruction for a family member or caregiver; •Loans of equipment and software; and •Telephone technical support. Individuals with disabilities including visual impairments, multiple sclerosis, ALS, cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, arthritis, and head injuries will participate. They will learn to use technology to help them access information, communicate, and live independent and productive lives. Examples of AT these individuals will learn to use include: enlarged keyboards for people with physical disabilities; text enlargement for people with low vision; “screen reading” for people who are blind; communication devices for people who are unable to speak; and environmental control units.