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In Illinois, the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides access to assistive technology devices and services to people with disabilities throughout the state. It offers a range of services including a device lending program, a device reuse program, training, a maker space where specialists can custom create assistive devices and tech, and demonstration spaces where people can try out features of a smart home. IATP’s headquarters is vast – it occupies more than 50,000 square feet of space in an old hospital building in Springfield.
IATP is one of 56 Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) programs across the country. AT Act programs are federally funded and provide a continuum of services that increase access to assistive technology and devices and services. IATP is a statewide nonprofit whose core funding is through the Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, the Illinois Department on Aging, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Illinois State Board of Education and the Social Security Administration.
Willie Gunther is the President and CEO of IATP and has been with the program for 31 years. “We really try to educate individuals through guided exploration with our staff who are knowledgeable about the assistive technology options, not make a decision for them,” says Gunther. “We empower people to try and explore and determine the pros and the cons of each of the devices so that they can make that informed decision.”
Device demonstrations are a core offering of IATP. In fiscal year 2023, IATP provided 866 demonstrations of more than 1,500 devices to 1,720 participants. The IATP device lending program allows people to check out devices for up to six weeks. If a borrower can’t come to the IATP facility in Springfield, the device is shipped out and the borrower has the obligation to return it. Last year, IATP loaned 2,293 devices to 1,474 individuals, providers, and local districts. However, IATP doesn’t endorse one product over another and does not sell any devices, Gunther explains. “We will work with people to educate them about waiver programs in the state and what might be available to them to acquire the needed technology,” she says.
Their device reuse program enables people to obtain new and gently used equipment at no cost, such as wheelchairs, communication devices, and devices to help with daily activities. Participants in this program are asked to return the equipment if it is no longer being used. In fiscal year 2023, IATP provided 1,961 reuse devices to 1,399 people for an estimated savings of $750,000.
Gunther says IATP serves hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities each year, including her own daughter, Halley, 18.
“Because everybody with an intellectual or developmental disability is different and unique, we want to look at the whole person's needs and work with them and their caregiver to come up with solutions that work,” explains Gunther. Many people with IDD are looking for devices or technology that can help with communication.
IATP offers more than 730 communication devices through its demonstration center and device loan program. These devices range from books of symbols that can be used to communicate to complex speech generating devices activated by direct selection, switch access or eye gaze. “IATP has seven speech-language pathologists on staff, and it takes six months to train them before they can really understand the assistive communication devices we have, how they work and how they can help out clients,” Gunther says.
Halley uses text-to-speech software that reads aloud text on her iPad. “She's really interested in history, especially the kings of England and their wives, but this isn’t something she came to by reading a book.” In addition to her iPad reader that reads text aloud, she has used a reading pen that reads out loud when rolled over text. The technology has enabled Halley access to the fascinating world of British history. “She’s even asked me to take her to England,” Gunther exclaims.
Halley has also benefited from IATP’s Maker Program, which custom-designs solutions to help people live more independently. It has 3D printing, pressure forming and laser cutting capabilities.
“We used the 3D printer to design a feeding tube holder for my daughter,” Gunther says. The holder allowed Halley to free up her hands to do other things while using the tube, which otherwise needed to be held during feedings which could sometimes last up to three hours.
Later, when Halley got older, Gunther again turned to her design team to custom build a key holder her daughter could use to get into the house. “She didn’t have great fine motor skills, so holding a key was a bit difficult for her, so we 3D printed a holder that let her use the key when she got home.” The key was a backup in case the smart locks, which Gunther and Halley tried out at the IATP Smart Home Demonstration Center, didn’t work.
The Smart Home Demonstration Center provides demonstrations of devices that promote safety and independence in the home such as smart lighting, home access, climate control and entertainment systems. It includes a fully-functioning, five room model home with smart home automation features throughout.
Halley is just one of the thousands of Illinoisans IATP serves each year, either directly by providing devices or technology, through demonstrations, trainings, and evaluations. “We really try to impact and improve as many individuals lives through increasing access to and acquisition of assistive technology to help people live more independent lives,” Gunther says.
To reach IATP, call (217) 522-7985 or 800-852-5110. The center, located at 701 North Walnut Street in Springfield, is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (CT).