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.
Our exciting new work home
IATP is excited to announce that we are now at our new location at 701 North Walnut Street in Springfield, Illinois! As an agency, we remain committed to our established programs and look forward to implementing the new programs this move supports.
We are still in the process of setting up an interactive Smart Home Display, completing installations in our new accessible kitchen to be used for teaching as part of the Tech Kitchen Program, and finalizing new equipment set ups related to the expansion of the IATP Makers Program.
IATP is grateful to our many funders who allow us to continue to provide services to Illinois individuals with disabilities and those with changing needs due to aging. We look forward to having everyone visit us at our new home soon. Please contact us to arrange a visit!
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.
IATP Partners with Adaptive Equipment Corner
Adaptive Equipment and Caregiving Corner(AE Corner) is an Illinois small business that offers education and training developed and presented by licensed therapists (Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy). A library of short videos targeted to help individuals and caregivers is now available through the IATP partnership and allows you to access informative training resources when it best meets your schedule. AECorner’s Support Library includes the following Video Series:
- Caregiver Series: Whether you’re new to caregiving or a seasoned caregiver, this series not only shows you ways to provide safe care but also ways to keep yourself safe, too.
- Home Safety Tool Kit: This series helps family caregivers assess and set up a loved one’s home environment for a successful return after a stay in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
- Preparing for Hip Surgery: This series helps individuals and family caregivers prepare themselves and their home for a successful return after hip surgery.
- Preparing for Knee Surgery: This series helps individuals and family caregivers prepare themselves and their home for a successful return after knee surgery.
- Pick Your Fit Exercise Series: This is a collection of exercises and stretches that meet the individual at their particular physical skill level. Whether it’s gentle stretching while sitting in a chair or leg strengthening exercises performed lying down, this series has something for everyone.