Welcome to Maryland LINK!

The Leveraging Interagency Networks for Knowledge Sharing or LINK is a secure, digital tool that makes it easier for youth with disabilities, their families, and professionals to work together during the secondary transition from school to adult life.

Everyone exits school connected to something!

Students & Families

Easily find services and take steps to plan for the future.

Local Education Agencies (LEAs)

Use LINK to streamline services and track success.

About LINK

LINK (Leveraging Interagency Networks for Knowledge-sharing) is a Maryland initiative supporting youth with disabilities as they move from school to adult life.

It helps:

Families find and access the right services
Professionals work together more effectively
Agencies share information securely
Everyone stay connected through and after school

Why it Matters

Today’s service system is fragmented—LINK brings it together. With better coordination and real-time data, youth can move more confidently toward employment and independence.

What is the LINK Tool?

Schools, families, post-school partners such as DORS, and job training programs often experience challenges to sharing information — making the process confusing and overwhelming. LINK helps bridge those gaps by making information easier to find and services easier to connect.

LINK will change that.

Who is currently using LINK?

We are in the testing phase!

The LINK team is currently working with local Education Agencies (LEAs) to pilot the LINK tool to gather information about real-time use and feedback to improve the tool.

Pilot sites include Charles County, Baltimore City, and Wicomico County Public Schools.

Image of map, Public Schools are LINK Pilot Sites: Baltimore City, Charles, and Wicomico

How LINK Works

During a student’s IEP meeting, families can give permission to share information through LINK. Once that happens, schools and agencies can see shared data about things like:

• What classes and supports the student is receiving
• Whether they’ve applied for services like job coaching or skills training
• When they graduate, get a job, go to college, or connect to adult services

This reduces paperwork, helps staff make quicker referrals, and ensures everyone is on the same page.

LINK Technology and Security

LINK uses smart technology to help schools and state agencies securely share important information. Instead of relying on piles of paperwork, professionals can work together more easily to connect youth with disabilities to the services and support they need.

Your information stays safe. Nothing is shared without permission, and LINK follows strict privacy and security rules. Only the right people can see the information — and only when it’s needed to help with transition planning.

LINK is simple to use and designed with everyone in mind. It includes built-in help if you get stuck, and it keeps getting better thanks to ideas and feedback from youth, families, and professionals.

What People Are Saying about MD LINK!

We are excited to implement the MD LINK Project, as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen secondary transition planning for students with disabilities. This tool will pull pertinent agency linkage information into a single platform, enabling robust data tracking and manipulation while significantly reducing the need for manual data entry. By streamlining these processes, we can free up valuable human resources to focus on more direct work with students and families, ultimately improving post-school outcomes.

Maryland Carroll County Public School District

The Parents' Place of Maryland is excited to see increased linkages among agencies, which will make information sharing easier for families and support smoother transitions.

Parents' Place of Maryland (PPMD)

There’s a real sense that this work is different. We’re building something the state has needed for a long time—and doing it together, from the ground up.

University of Maryland Center for Transition and Career Innovation (UMD CTCI)

It’s a critical and important project for the state of Maryland and as a parent I can see the value of how it will impact transition planning positively for students with disabilities.

Our work is often seen behind the scenes, it’s useful for the citizens of Maryland for them to see how the University of Maryland works for you to better impact outcomes for students.

University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS)

We are honored to create the MD LINK website as the central hub for project goals, progress, and success stories that strengthen services for youth with disabilities. Using a universal design approach, the site makes information accessible to all and connects youth, families, and professionals to support for planning life after high school. The goal is for MD LINK to be a model other states can adapt and replicate.

Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI)

Need Help in Supporting a Young Person’s Future?

If you're a family member, educator, or professional working with a student who has a disability, Maryland DORS is here to help. We work with youth to explore careers, gain skills, and build a path toward meaningful employment and independence after high school.

Visit the link below to learn how to refer a student or connect with DORS for more information and support:

Start a Referral or Learn More

What’s New with LINK?

# of Students Participating in LINK:

400 Updated May 2025

# of Schools Participating in LINK:

40 Updated May 2025

LINK Piloted in Three Maryland Counties

Sign up for LINK Updates

Are you a LEA in Charles, Baltimore City, or Wicomico County?

Download Our Brochure

Meet the LINK Team

LINK is led by the by the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD).

The partnership includes state agencies, universities, parent advocates, local school systems, and national evaluation experts—all working together to improve transition outcomes for youth with disabilities.

LINK Partners

Click on a partner to learn more about their role in LINK: