Independent Living Through Technology
In response to medical, public health, and other governmental recommendations regarding COVID-19, the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is altering its operations as follows to reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus for all individuals. The information below will be continually updated as things change.
Borrowing Equipment: When possible and appropriate, IATP will make every attempt to fill customer’s requests to borrow Assistive Technology devices and reused Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Arrangements will be made to ship the equipment to the customer’s home. Customers picking up reused DME will have to follow the CDC’s recommendation of social distancing of no less than 6 feet and the transfer of equipment will take place outside of IATP’s office.
Assistive Technology Demonstration Center: In person device demonstrations and all tours are currently suspended. Demonstrations using video conferencing are available by appointment.
Equipment Donations: IATP is NOT accepting donations of used Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and/or Assistive Technology Devices until further notice.
Financial Loan Customers: Support and repayment options are available for our loan customers who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Please contact us if you need to defer loan payments. AT loans for new customers are still being processed.
Onsite AT Assessments for VR Customers: Currently suspended per CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health recommendations, but IATP is conducting remote assessments to fulfill customer's needs.
ISBE Evaluations: All previously scheduled AT and AAC evaluations are being rescheduled into the next school year. New referrals are being accepted and will continue to be scheduled in the order in which they are received.
IATP Event Participation: Staff’s planned participation as presenters, exhibitors, and participants at indoor events, which anticipate attendance of over 250 individuals, are cancelled as recommended by the Governor until further notice.
IATP apologizes for any inconvenience these actions may cause but feels that it must do its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 217-522-7985. Staff are working remotely so there may be a slight delay in response time. Thank you for your understanding.
The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is the non-profit organization designated as the Statewide AT Program funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended. IATP’s lead agency is the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services. IATP’s mission is to increase access to and the acquisition of Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services for individuals of all ages with disabilities. IATP provides AT information and services in the areas of education, employment, community living, and IT/telecommunications. Our goal is to improve the quality of life of all Illinoisans with disabilities and enable them through greater access to assistive technology devices to fully participate in all aspects of life. We believe disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes a person’s right to:
IATP provides the following core programs: AT Demonstrations; AT Device Loans; AT State Financing, AT Reutilization. IATP also provides Information and Assistance, Training and Technical Assistance on a variety of AT topics, as well as, collaborates with state agencies and disability organizations statewide to improve and expand policies and practices to include greater access to and funding for AT.
Assistive technology device.--The term `assistive technology device' means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Assistive technology service.--The term `assistive technology service' means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
IATP 2019 Annual Report (PDF)
