In July 1998 a submission was put to the National Office of the Information Economy (NOIE) which is now the Federal Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA).

The Deaf-Blind Association was successful in receiving an accessibility grant in September 1998.

The grant was established, over a two year period, a computer and Internet Access training program was set up, with appropriate adaptive technology, for 10 - 15 people with deafblindness in Victoria, subsequently named "The Link".

The aims are to assist people to use on-line communication services and to establish a train-the-trainer program. Trainees learn basic keyboard and word processing skills to access e-mail, the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW).

In addition they are supported in developing their skills as volunteer trainers to ensure the continuance of the program beyond the period of the grant.

Included in these aims is establishing benchmarks for computer training programs in this area and developing the program as a model of best practice.

A further submission resulted in an additional grant in 1999.

This AccessAbility grant, now administered by the Federal Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA), is making possible a National extension/networking of The Link program and offering training at The Link to interstate participants. Ten people with deafblindness and their support persons and 7 TAFE trainers, will be able to participate in the program over a two year period.