SPONSORS & COLLABORATORS
Thanks to our sponsors and collaborators who have made this clearinghouse and our projects possible
Our Shared Mission
To improve the self reliance of older adullts and persons with disabilities so that they may live as independently as possible.
The development of the Smart Self Reliance initiative was made possible by the generous seed funding provided by the Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Foundation (ISEIF). To learn more about the Foundation click the button below. Ongoing direct and in-direct project funding is currently being provided by Ameren Illinois, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Google, and the Seniors Indpependent Living Collaboarative. The Smart Self Reliance Initiative is also grateful to our former and current collaborators for their support in our development of the resoruces found on this clearinghouse. Those organizations are listed below.
Current collaborating organizations include:
The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL)
The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP)
The Progress Center for Independent Living (PCIL)
The Seniors Independent Living Collaborative (SiLC)
Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UIC (DECE)
Institute for Health Research & Policy, UIC (IHRP)
School of Public Health, Health Policy & Admin., UIC (SPH)
University of Illinois Extension
Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP)
Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is a not for profit agency that promotes the availability of assistive technology (AT) devices, services and programs for people with disabilities.
IATP serves all people with disabilities in Illinois regardless of age or income, family members, service providers, state agencies, educators and other interested individuals. Programs include:
Financial Loans
IATP conducts a Financial Loan Program that includes funding for assistive technology devices and services, home modifications, and credit builder loans. Eligible applicants for all financial loan options are individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives who are residents of the State of Illinois.
Device Loan
The main purpose of the device loan program is to provide an opportunity to try out assistive technology devices in order to make an informed decision prior to purchasing the device. It helps borrowers to ensure it is their preferred option and will work in the environments where it is needed. Equipment can also be borrowed when needed as a temporary back-up device, while awaiting funding approval, or as a short term accommodation. All loans are made for a five week time period.
Demonstration Center
Demonstrations enable participants to compare and contrast the features and benefits of devices so they can make an informed decision as to what would best meet their needs. IATP’s AT Demonstration Center located in Springfield includes a comprehensive display and inventory of assistive technology devices. The Center has eight accessible rooms; four are organized by environment and include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and office; and four are organized by functional use and include communication, vision, daily living, and toys and sensory.
Reutilization Program
The Reuse Program accepts assistive technology and durable medical equipment that is lightly used and in good working condition and that is no longer needed or used by its original owner. The equipment is checked for safe operation, sanitized, inventoried, and then made available to others who can’t afford to purchase a new device. The equipment can be borrowed on a short term basis for a temporary need or as an open-ended loan that can be kept until no longer needed.
In addition to the programs listed above, IATP also offers trainings, augmentative and alternative communication and AT assessments for grades K-12, evaluations for customers of Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance.
COLLABORATOR RESOURCES
Are you a Smart Self Reliance Collaborator? Click the button below to view our Collaborator Resources.