Operation LINK began in the fall of 1979 with a grant from Rehab Services Administration Title VII, Part B. Operation LINK began with a total of 8 full-time and 3 part-time staff. Offices were located in Hays, Smith Center and Stockton. Operation LINK was the first Independent Living Program implemented in a rural setting in the Midwestern United States. In the early years of 1979 through 1987, Operation LINK operated under contract with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK).

In 1987 Operation LINK became it's own corporation with it's own governing board and changed the name to Living Independently in Northwest Kansas (LINK), Inc. The administrative offices for LINK, Inc. are located in a new 1 story contemporary facility located at 2401 E. 13th St. in Hays, Kansas. On-site paved parking will accommodate 29 vehicles. The facility was designed to be fully accessible for staff and consumers with disabilities.

LINK celebrated its 25th Anniversary on September 10, 2004 with prizes, free lunch and speakers throughout the day. Thank you to the community for their support of LINK for 25 years.

LINK celebrated its 30th Anniversary on September 18, 2009. It was held at FHSU ballroom. Speakers for this event included: Jennifer Schwartz (Kansas Association for Centers for Independent Living), Linda Brewer (Friends Emergency Response Network coordinator), Tom Olin (Director of the Disability Rights Center), Steve Burd (Program Services Director, LINK, Inc.), Phyllis Burdge (storyteller and encourager), Dr. Jeff Burnett (Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance at Fort Hays State University), Miss Wheelchair Kansas (Mrs. Marie Clement) and Brian Atwell (Executive Director, LINK, Inc.). This anniversary captured the history of independent living and struggles through time that gave an awareness of how far independent living has come.

In 2010, with budget cuts and the future to look at, LINK made a decision to close one of our branch offices located in Osborne.

In 2011, LINK finds itself celebrating 32 years serving western Kansas. With branch offices located in Hill City, Colby, Great Bend, and Liberal, LINK is able to offer individuals with disabilities and families services to support their independent living needs.

LINK, Inc. administration consists of the Executive Director, Brian Atwell, and 7-9 Board Members geographically disbursed throughout our traditional 22 county service area. The LINK, Inc. Board of Directors meets bi-monthly. LINK currently employs 16 full time staff members, 1 part time staff member and serves as a payroll provider for the various waivers.