Assistive technology helps people with disabilities achieve greater independence. Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities is considered to be assistive technology(AT). AT service is directly assisting an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Assistive technology resources include The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP), a statewide not-for-profit agency located in Springfield that provides a variety of assistive technology services, including:
- information and assistance through 800 lines;
- an assistive technology demonstration center;
- an assistive technology device loan program;
- a low interest cash loan program;
- a quarterly newsletter that is distributed to 7,500 individuals;
- assistive technology trainings which focuses primarily on capacity-building and train-the-trainer programs;
- publication of TechNotes on a variety of topics; and
- a policy/systems change program which involves annually monitoring hundreds of bills which affect people with disabilities and keeping consumers informed about these and other state and federal initiatives.
For further information about the services and supports provided through The Illinois Assistive Technology Program, you may visit their website through the link above or call IATP at 217-522-7985 voice; 217-522-9966 tty; 217-522-8067 fax; 800-852-5110 v/tty in IL only.
Assistive Technology Support and Resource Hub
Another resource is the Assistive Technology Support and Resource Hub. They help people with disabilities find and get access to information, technology services, training, assistive equipment and specialists by creating partnerships that maximize resources. For further information about Infinitec, check their website at https://www.at4il.org/ or call 833-682-7595.
UIC Institute on Disability and Human Development Assistive Technology Unit
The ATU offers a comprehensive array of services, including:
- Technology to maximize independence in activities of daily living
- Adaptive equipment
- Alternative & augmentative communication
- Computer access
- Environmental control
- Home modification
- Mobility
- Seating
- Worksite modification
Referrals come to the ATU from consumers directly, or from staff within the Illinois Department of Human Services. Since 1991, the UIC Assistive Technology Unit has been providing mobile assistive technology services to underserved individuals with disabilities in northeast Illinois. The ATU is a community-based service delivery program, serving over 90% of our clients in their homes, schools, work, or recreation settings. A fleet of mobile units is used to achieve the community-based approach, making the ATU the only mobile program in Illinois. For further information about services available, please see their website at www.ahs.uic.edu/cl/atu
Great Lakes ADA Center Accessible Information Technology (AIT) Initiative
From the Great Lakes ADA Center website:
“Great Lakes ADA Center provides information, materials, technical assistance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Topics addressed includes the non-discrimination requirements in employment, the obligations of state and local governments and business to ensure that programs, services and activities are readily accessible to and useable by people with disabilities. This includes access to the information technology used by these entities including but not limited to websites, software, kiosks, etc.
The Great Lakes Accessible Information Technology (AIT) Initiative, within the Great Lakes Center, provides individuals and organizations with information and resources on Information Technology (IT) and its ease of use to the widest range of end users. We provide technical assistance, education, training, referrals, and materials to individuals and entities that seek information related to information technology accessibility.” For further information, see their website at www.adagreatlakes.org/AIT/.