Independent Living Through Technology
We are a statewide non-profit organization founded in 1989. Our mission is to provide Illinoisans of all ages with disabilities and health conditions greater access to assistive technology devices and services so that they may enhance their independence and participation in all aspects of life.
IATP is excited to collaborate with the Illinois Department on Aging, Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities, and the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services on a new program that provides technology devices for socially isolated seniors and persons with disabilities in Illinois.
Illinois CARE Connections
IATP joins other groups in Illinois and elsewhere in condemning the recent senseless and horrifying deaths of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta, George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, KY, and other African-Americans by police officers. Police are duty-bound to serve and protect members of their communities, and unfortunately their failure to fulfill this duty has resulted in the deaths of unarmed African-Americans.
While IATP fully supports police in carrying out their duty to serve and protect, we strongly oppose the use of excessive and unnecessary force. We condemn the discriminatory use of police power and authority. We oppose racism in general and abhor the culture of racism that is pervasive in some law enforcement agencies, which must be eliminated.
IATP calls for urgent positive change through education and training, mutual understanding and respect, civil discourse, social justice, and meaningful access to a fair and impartial system of justice, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion or age.
Finally, IATP supports the full exercise of free expression through peaceful marches and rallies. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said in 1967: “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
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.
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.
In person device demonstrations and all tours are currently suspended. Demonstrations using video conferencing are available by appointment.
IATP is NOT accepting donations of used Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and/or Assistive Technology Devices until further notice.
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.
Currently suspended per CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health recommendations, but IATP is conducting remote assessments to fulfill customer's needs.
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.
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.
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.
