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Children with disabilities sometimes need and are entitled to special equipment and services to ensure that they have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Learn more about equipment, funding, consultation and evaluation resources, implementation strategies, best practices and other services available.

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Assistive technology includes both devices and services. As defined in IDEA:

  • an assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. (34 CFR 300.5)
  • an assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. (34 CFR 300.6)​

During the IEP process, assistive technology must be considered for every child and then provided by districts if required in a child's IEP to access a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

For additional information regarding assistive technology, please contact Special Education Services Department​, Illinois State Board of Education, at (217) 782-5589.

 Assistive Technology Guidance Manual

The purpose of the Assistive Technology Guidance ManualPDF Document is to provide guidance to school systems regarding the processes associated with effective AT use by students with disabilities. The manual is intended to inform the practices of schools systems to promote successful outcomes related to AT use by students with disabilities and to serve as a point of reference for school administrators, teachers, related service personnel, students, and parents of students with disabilities.​​

 Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP)
​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 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:  
  • enjoy full inclusion and integration in mainstream society; 
  • benefit from an education; 
  • pursue meaningful careers and;  
  • enjoy self-determination and make choices. 
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. 
 
IATP offers school-based evaluations in addition to device loans to school district through the ISBE grant.
IATP provides augmentative and alternative communication assessments along with assistive technology evaluations throughout the state of Illinois. These assessments are FREE to students with an IEP or a 504 plan in place. An SLP and/or an ATS will provide a report upon completion of the assessment. Requests can be made online at https://www.iltech.org/repository/k12assessments.  Any questions regarding the process can be directed toward Mark McCabe at (217) 522-7985 or mmccabe@iltech.org.  
 
Illinois Assistive Technology Program 
1020 S. Spring St. 
Springfield, IL 62704 
 
Phone/TTY: (800) 852-5110 
Fax: (217) 522-8067 
 

 Infinitec Assistive Technology Services
Infinitec provides state of the art assistive technology, information, training, equipment services and technical assistance. Infinitec is the technology services of the nonprofit United Cerebral Palsy Seguin Services (UCPS).  Our mission is to advance independence and promote inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities through technology.   

Statewide Assistive Technology Training and Technical Assistance   

Over the past decade, Infinitec has worked in partnership with ISBE to provide training and technical assistance in the area of assistive technology (AT) at no cost to schools and families reaching the 102 counties of Illinois.  
  • ISBE Infinitec Training addresses priority areas such as: AT Consideration and Service Delivery, AT supporting Executive Function, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Reading, Writing, Transition and Access for Students with Significant Disabilities.  
  • The menu of training services provided by Infinitec includes webinars, seminars, online courses and blended learning opportunities delivered by national, regional and local trainers.  
  • Infinitec is an approved provider of continuing education for ISBE, IDFPR and ASHA. 
  • During FY18, Infinitec conducted 177 seminars/webinars serving nearly 6,000 educators, pre-service professionals and family members.    

For more information or to request ISBE/Infinitec sponsored training call toll free 833-682-7595. 
  

Statewide Assistive Technology Equipment Services 

Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN) 

Infinitec provides assistive technology equipment statewide through the Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN) project.  
ATEN was established in June 1995 in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education. The exchange network recycles computers and other technology by collecting and refurbishing equipment donated by corporations and individuals. This refurbished equipment is donated to Illinois public schools and students with disabilities free of charge. 
The program is available to all individuals in our public schools, as well as private and home-schooled students who are referred through their home district. In FY 2018, ATEN distributed more than 5,432 desktop computers and laptops covering all counties statewide. To complete an application request form, please go to ATEN​ and find it located near the bottom of the page. 
 

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) 

The Durable Medical Equipment (DME) program also allows districts to access much-needed items for their students for school or home use. Those with a temporary or permanent disability can secure free motorized and manual wheelchairs, therapy equipment, canes, walkers, portable ramps, shower benches, and many more items to assist with daily activities. In FY 2018, the DME program distributed more than 400 free pieces of durable medical equipment across Illinois. 

Infinitec Coalitions 
Infinitec provides intensive AT services and extensive online professional learning through Infinitec Coalition membership services. For information on these services, please contact infinitecwebsupport@ucpnet.org or visit myinfinitec.org. 
  
Infinitec Services 
7550 W. 183rd St. 
Tinley Park, IL 60477 
  
ISBE/Infinitec Statewide AT Services 
708.444.8460 
Infinitec Training and Technical Assistance ext. 244 
Infinitec ATEN and DME ext. 231 
 
Visit at 4il.org 
Call Toll Free: 833.682.7595

 Device Loan Program
​​

The purpose of IATP's device loan program​ is to let potential Assistive Technology (AT) users try-out devices prior to purchase, have access to a backup system when their device is in for repairs and/or have access to a device while waiting for their device to be delivered. IATP's device loan program is FREE and easy to use for school-based purposes (ages 3-21). All device loans are for 5 weeks unless otherwise specified. The only cost the borrower may incur is the return shipment. For more information about device loans visit the iltech website.​​

 School Based AT/AAC Assessments
​​Illinois Assistive Technology Program 
IATP provides augmentative and alternative communication assessments along with assistive technology throughout the state of Illinois.  These assessments are FREE to students with an IEP or a 504 Plan in place.  A SLP and/or an ATS will provide a report upon completion of the assessment.  Requests can be made here. 

Any questions regarding the process can contact Mark McCabe at IATP at (217)522-7985 or via email at mmccabe@iltech.org​.   

Special Education Assistive Technology (SEAT) Center at Illinois State University

Campus Box 5910, Fairchild Hall 324

Normal, IL 61790-5910

Phone: (309) 438-7811

Fax: (309) 438-2211

Web address: http://education.illinoisstate.edu/seat/

The SEAT Center at Illinois State University (ISU) primarily focuses on teaching pre-service and practicing professionals the skills they need to meet the technology needs of people with disabilities through practical, hands-on, performance-based instruction. Instruction provided at the Center focuses on developing competencies in assistive technology as well as other types of technology (e.g., instructional technology, adaptive equipment) that can improve the education and quality of life of persons with special needs.SEAT offers many services to both ISU and the Illinois Community.​​​

Services offered at ISU include:

  • Providing resources and support for integrating instruction about assistive technology into the teacher education curriculum.
  • Providing onsite access to equipment and staff expertise for ISU students and faculty to learn about assistive technology.
  • Providing direct instruction via classes and workshops about assistive technology.

Services offered to the Illinois Community include:

  • Providing customized workshops to individuals and groups regarding topics such as assistive technology tools, assistive technology consideration, and assistive technology implementation and integration.
  • Providing onsite access to the community to learn about various assistive technology tools.
  • Providing support to school districts to facilitate assistive technology decision making.
  • Providing program evaluations to districts regarding assistive technology service delivery.
  • Plus many more!

For more information about services and trainings, or to schedule visits, please contact the SEAT Center at (309) 438-7811 or visit the SEAT website.

Assistive Technology Unit, University Of Illinois at Chicago Mobile Clinical Services​

The UIC Assistive Technology Unit offers mobile AT services in the following areas:

  • Alternative & Augmentative Communication
  • Adaptive Equipment (custom designs via Rehabilitation Engineering)
  • Computer Access
  • Environmental Control
  • Home Modification
  • Seating & Wheeled Mobility
  • Worksite Modification

Services are provided by a multi-disciplinary team comprised of Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Rehabilitation Engineers. All clinicians are licensed professionals, and RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs).

For more information, visit www.uicatu.org or e-mail us at atu@uic.edu.​

Assistive Technology Certificate Program, University Of Illinois at Chicago Distance Learning In Assistive Technology

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers a distance learning-based Assistive Technology Certificate, earned via students or working professionals taking 12 credit hours of online and blended coursework.

REQUIRED courses include the following:

  • Introduction to Assistive Technology
  • Computers, Communication, and Controls

ELECTIVE courses include the following:

  • Augmentative Communication Assessment
  • AAC Intervention for Beginning Communicators
  • AAC and AT for Inclusion in K-12 Settings
  • AAC Intervention to Promote Language and Literacy
  • Assistive Technology for Writing
  • Assistive Technology Assessment for Schools
  • Adaptive Equipment Design & Fabrication
  • Assistive Technology for Individuals with Low Vision or Blindness
  • Seating & Wheeled Mobility
  • Ergonomics & Safety for Workers with Disabilities
  • Home Modification Basics
  • Clinical Internship

Working professionals enroll for courses via their co-listing with the UIC Office of Continuing Education. Instructors are clinical faculty members of the UIC Assistive Technology Unit, a source for AT service, training, and research.

Students may apply the AT Certificate credits toward Master of Science graduate study in the Department of Disability & Human Development.

Students and working professionals must apply to enter the UIC Assistive Technology Certificate Program.

For more information, visit www.uicatu.org or via e-mail at atu@uic.edu​​​​

 NIMAS-NIMAC Information
​​​Obtaining Accessible Instructional Materials for Students with Blindness, Vision Impairments, or Print Disabilities

The National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) is a provision of the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 (also known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, or IDEIA) at 34 CFR 300.172.  NIMAS requires that one standard be used for translating K-12 printed instructional materials into accessible formats for students with blindness, vision impairment, or print disabilities.

The federally-funded National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC) is a central repository for K-12 printed instructional materials in the NIMAS standard. These NIMAS files are submitted by publishers to the NIMAC when requested by school districts purchasing educational materials. Each state coordinating with the NIMAC may assign up to five (5) Authorized Users (AUs) who are able to access these NIMAS files in the NIMAC system and, sometimes with the assistance of an Accessible Media Producer (AMP), convert these files into accessible formats for students with blindness, visual impairments, or print disabilities. The Authorized Users (AUs) serve as a point of contact for school districts seeking printed instructional materials in accessible formats for their students.

NOTE:  Only students with IEPs and eligible, as per 34 CFR 300.172, can access and use NIMAS/NIMAC – sourced materials. These materials, whether in hardcopy/concrete, virtual, digitized, or any other alternate format, must not be made available to students who are not eligible for NIMAS/NIMAC- sourced materials, nor distributed broadly.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Special Education Services Division has chosen to coordinate with NIMAC to ensure Illinois’ school districts are able to obtain print materials in accessible formats for students with blindness, visual impairments, and print disabilities. ISBE determines Authorized Users (AUs) to work directly with Illinois’ districts to obtain these materials. More in-depth information about the process of obtaining accessible printed materials through NIMAC, Illinois’ Authorized Users (AUs), and Frequently Asked Questions about NIMAS and NIMAC is contained in the guidance document below.

Please contact Illinois’ NIMAC State Coordinator, Lori Clampitt, at lclampit@isbe.net​, if you have further question about the process of obtaining K-12 printed instructional materials in accessible formats produced from NIMAS files.​

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