IATP Makers at the Rochester STEM Fair
The IATP Maker team exhibited at the 7th Annual Central Illinois STEM Fair hosted at the Rochester High School on April 10, 2024.
We were thrilled to be one of the 84 organizations that participated in this incredible educational event and encourage other STEM programs across Illinois to help us provide greater access to assistive technology.
Our exhibit featured several of our most popular 3D-printed devices for every day use, a 3D-printed prosthetic arm, and one of our 3D printers. Students were able to try devices and experimented with the prosthetic arm that was a prototype fabricated and customized for an Illinois student.
Design files are available at IATPmakers.org and Illinois residents can request customized devices free of charge.
Visit the IATPmakers.org for more information!
Exciting New Assistive Technology at CES
James, an IATP Smart Home Program Coordinator, recently attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. This international conference is the premier showcase for new and emerging technologies representing a vast array of product categories. For James, the primary objective was to find new innovative assistive technology (AT) devices that could enhance independence for IATP clients.
Gyro Gear Glove
Among those devices was the Gyro Gear Glove, specifically designed for individuals experiencing tremors. The gyro-stabilization technology presented a solution for those with shaky hands, offering enhanced control and the ability to perform daily tasks with increased ease.
Lotus Smart Ring
The Lotus Smart Ring captured our attention as a sophisticated accessory with practical applications. The ring functions as a tool for controlling various household objects. The simple act of pointing the ring at devices shows its potential to facilitate seamless home management for individuals with limited mobility.
Flic Hub
The Flic Smart Hub proved to be versatile and unique. Its capability to control multiple smart home devices simultaneously, triggered by a single button press, enhances accessibility and convenience. This device, with its versatility and ease of use, stands out as a potential asset in our efforts to empower individuals with disabilities through smart home technology.
Contact the Smart Home staff to learn more about our smart home and assistive technology options, or to schedule a visit.
Susy Woods
It is with great sadness that IATP must share that our dear friend and colleague, Susy Woods, has passed.
Susy worked as a Public Policy and Education Liaison with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program helping numerous families throughout the state. She was a phenomenally skilled advocate and a mentor to many. With her work for the advocacy of individuals with special needs, she was involved with many state groups including IMPACT CIL, NAMI, IATC, ISAC, Arc of Illinois, UCP, and Partners in Policy Making.
A Celebration of Life has been planned for January 27th at Erin’s Pavilion in Springfield. Details are included in her obituary which is available at Legacy.com (New Page). The service will also be live streamed starting at 1:00 PM CST. You can join via Zoom or by visiting IATP’s YouTube channel using the following links which will open in a new page.
ZOOM – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82019046758?pwd=NnBmMnd4SEVtczZ0RnI2SWRMMmJwUT09
IATP YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@IATP-a11y
If Susy was in the process of helping you, please contact us for assistance.
AgrAbility and Assistive Technology
AgrAbility works to enhance the quality of life quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities, so that they, their families, and their communities continue to succeed in rural America. Illinois AgrAbility is a program within the University of Illinois Extension and has been providing services for over 30 years. They partner with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program and the Community Health Partnership of Illinois to deliver a variety of services to keep people farming. One of these services includes identifying Assistive Technology (AT) options and devices that can help with safe equipment operation and a variety of other work tasks. To learn more about their services and/or to request Assistive Technology Assistance, visit their website:
You can also browse and search the National AgrAbility Program AT Toolbox and Database for ideas, possible solutions, and product resources:
April Open House Welcomes Many Visitors
IATP welcomed approximately 300 visitors to its new home at 701 North Walnut Street, Springfield, Il, for its 2023 Open House and Building Dedication. IATP officially moved to the new location in late 2022. The new facility allowed for the expansion of established programs and the introduction of new programs.
Guests were able to tour the 52,000 square foot building and learn about all IATP programs. Visitors enjoyed hands-on access to a large inventory of assistive technology in the Demonstration Center and Smart Home Center, witnessed the creation of specialized assistive technology in the Makerspace, experienced the fully accessible Tech Kitchen, and learned about our Reuse Program.
IATP thanks everyone who attended our 2023 Open House. Visitor remarks included:
- Thank you for the invite. I was like a kid in a candy store…
- Being able to see the equipment and software has been beneficial to me. I did not realize how many different types of Magnifying CCTV’s that are available.
- Your loaner program will also come in handy for us.
- I thoroughly enjoyed the open house tour last Wednesday, your team is to be commended for the outstanding work and service they provide to so many people. The redesign of the building is incredible and I like what has been done…
- We loved the whole open house. I was very impressed with the set up and everyone there. I had three littles with me who were very interested in everything. They asked lots of questions and each person working the stations were so patient and explained what the devices were used for and how they are used. What a wonderful place IATP is with an awesome staff! Thanks for having us.
If you were unable to join us and would like a personal tour of our facility, please contact us.
Plan to Attend the IATP Open House
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19th: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
701. N. Walnut Street, Springfield, IL
Join us for an Open House to visit with staff, see a wide array of Assistive Technology (AT) devices, and learn more about our new programs and existing services.
Tour our new building and visit our:
- Expanded Demonstration Center
- Interactive Smart Home
- Accessible Tech Kitchen
- IATP Makers Fabrication Lab
To help us with our planning, please R.S.V.P. by calling (217) 522-7985 or email iatp@iltech.org
Download our PDF
If you are not familiar with IATP’s services, please explore our website. IATP’s certified Assistive Technology Professionals have expertise in a variety of disciplines including occupational therapy, speech language pathology, rehabilitation engineering, information technology, and education consulting. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.