The business community is faced with the challenge of making the workplace accessible to their employees and consumers with disabilities. LINC has identified several areas in which local businesses could become more responsive to the disabilities community. In order to provide appropriate technology and make other accommodations, the business community can benefit from the professional services LINC staff can offer. In the process individuals with disabilities, their families, employees of the company, and the general public will also benefit.

The Aber D. Unger Foundation has awarded LINC a two-year grant to allow LINC to share our expertise with the business community. Work will begin late this spring, with the funds for this start-up effort supplemented by fees paid by the businesses that use customized services. LINC wants to capitalize on partnerships established with the business community as a result of the successful BRIDGES FROM THE HEART outreach concert held in January.

The services to businesses that the project will provide include:

• Consulting with Information Technology (IT) Departments and marketing professionals on a companies’ Web site accessibility, and providing information on federal and state Web site laws;
• Providing consultation with Human Resources and IT professionals at local businesses on technology access issues and worksite accommodations;
• Offering consultations for employees with disabilities and their families, which include in-depth, hands-on trials of computer systems and adaptive technology;
• Providing technical assistance and troubleshooting about adaptive technology via telephone for employees and their families;
• Providing resource & referral services on technology access for employees & consumers;
• Conducting seminars on technology access topics (e.g., ergonomic workstations, voice input, screen reading software);
• Referring LINC clients to businesses who are looking for technology-trained employees.

Interested businesses and individuals are invited to call Susan Pompa at, LINC (410-659-5462) to arrange a visit to LINC to learn more about how businesses can be proactive to their consumers and employees with disabilities.®