Maryland’s LINK Project Builds Strong Foundation for Systems Change
7/15/2025
In its first year, the Maryland LINK (Leveraging Interagency Networks for Knowledge-sharing) project has laid the foundation for transforming transition services for youth with disabilities.
Though in the process of creating the LINK tool, the project has achieved critical early wins through strong interagency subgroups, designing outreach materials, and developing a public-facing project website to build awareness and momentum.
Maryland’s LINK Website Launch
6/1/2025
LINK’s website newly launched will serve as a central resource for students, families, professionals, and the public. It includes accessible, plain-language descriptions of the project, a dedicated space for youth and families to understand how to get involved, and information for professionals on interagency collaboration and transition planning.
The website will also houses success stories, news updates (you're here!), and (eventually) the LINK implementation toolkit for broader replication.
Getting the Word Out About Maryland LINK
5/1/2025
To support early engagement, LINK developed a clear, visually accessible flyer for LEA stakeholders that introduces the project’s goals, benefits, and future expectations.
The flyer communicates LINK’s central promise: to better connect students with disabilities to adult services before they exit school. It also previews how the digital tool will streamline interagency communication, improve reporting, and support post-school success.
LINK Launches Strategic Subgroups to Power Collaboration
4/1/2025
LINK established four subgroups—Evaluation, Outreach/Marketing, Prototype Development, and Site Implementation—bringing together 28 experts from state agencies, local education agencies (LEAs), universities, and advocacy organizations. These working teams have created a structure that allows for real-time collaboration and monitoring, with subgroup leads reporting into a biweekly DIF Leadership Team.
The project is powered by a team with deep expertise in disability policy, educational technology, family engagement, employment services, and interagency systems change. This collective knowledge ensures that every phase of LINK’s development, from technical architecture to outreach, reflects practical experience and national best practices.
Maryland’s LINK Off to a Strong Start
3/1/2025
By focusing early efforts on collaboration infrastructure and public-facing tools, LINK is building the kind of systems change that ensures sustainability. As one partner shared, “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.”
With a committed team and strong foundational work underway, LINK is positioned to lead meaningful change in how Maryland supports youth with disabilities to achieve competitive integrated employment and independence.
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