About ICC-Aging
Based on the success of the Illinois CARE Connections (ICC) Program, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) continues to support individuals who are in danger of being socially isolated and/or experiencing loneliness by enhancing and expanding the program for participants age 60 and above receiving services through the IDoA Community Care Programs.
The program serves individuals who are most likely to be socially isolated and provides them with technology solutions to help alleviate isolation. Participants receive an Apple iPad or Android tablet with a case, keyboard, and headphones. If needed, they are also provided internet access through a hot spot. The technology is used to increase social engagement and social connectedness. The priority is to serve those who live alone, do not normally receive in-home services, and who live in rural areas. The devices have applications that support different communication options so individuals can connect with family, friends, providers, and participate in Telehealth appointments with doctors.
Referrals must be made through an IDoA Community Care Program at https://care.iltech.org/
Project Resources
Referral Process
About ICC Aging and Referral Process (PDF)
October 25th, 2021 Audio Recording of ICC-Aging Eligibility and Referral Process Training
Training
iPad Training Guide (PDF - Large Print)
iPad Training Guide-Spanish (PDF)
iPad Training Guide - Korean (PDF Large Print)
iPad Training Guide - Polish (PDF Large Print)
Samsung A8 User Guide - Korean (PDF)
Technical Support
For technical support we recommend first reviewing the enclosed User Guide. The User Guide was designed to answer basic questions about your device including overview of the device buttons, basic functions of apps, and information on how to setup accounts and email addresses. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us in one of the following ways:
Telephone: IATP – 1-800-852-5110 For Illinois Relay Services: Dial 7-1-1
Email: iatp.care@iltech.org
About the Illinois Department on Aging
The MISSION of the Illinois Department on Aging (New Page) is to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life.
IDoA Resources
Illinois Department on Aging Office Locator (New Page)
Illinois Department on Aging Community Care Program (New Page)
Affordable Connectivity Program Update - 5/9/2022
The White House announced on Monday that 20 broadband providers agreed to lower costs for high-speed internet access for low-income individuals as part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). To learn more about the program and to see if you qualify visit the White House Get Internet website.
Illinois CARE Connections 2020
Illinois CARE Connections (ICC) was a collaborative program with the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that provided technology devices for socially isolated seniors and persons with disabilities in Illinois. The program was supported through federal CARES Act funding that was made available in spring of 2020 during the height of the pandemic. The program ended in spring of 2021 but technical assistance was available through September 2021.
Read more about the program in the final report:
Reducing Social Isolation Through Technology: A Report on the Illinois CARE Connections Program (PDF).
ACL Data Brief on ICC Program May 3, 2022
The Administration for Community Living issued a data brief highlighting the collaborative efforts of multiple Illinois agencies to reduce social isolation during the height of the pandemic through the use of assistive technology and internet access. Visit the ACL Issue Briefings website (new page) or download the brief Leveraging Innovation, Collaboration, and Data with Assistive Technology to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness: Success Story from Illinois (PDF).
