Illinois State Library

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

What is Assistive Technology?

The official, legislated definition of assistive technology is "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 functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." This includes devices like wheelchairs, laptop computers, and even a grip on a pencil or a special can-opener.

Assistive Technology Exchange Network
ATEN solicits donated computers, printers, modems, software, etc., reconditions and sends them out to Illinois schools who request technology. The program is expanding. Check to see if they now serve your group.

Assistive Technology Fund

The Association of Blind Citizens has established the Assistive Technology Fund. The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) will provide funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that this program will allow blind and visually impaired individuals access to technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increasing the level of independence and enhancing the recipients overall quality of life.

The products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 and a maximum retail price of $6,000. Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000. Applications will be reviewed by the Assistive Technology Committee (ATC) and recommendations will be submitted for board approval. If applicants are selected to receive a technology grant, they will be asked to provide documents such as tax returns, bank statements and any other documents that the ABC board or it's designee would deem necessary to assess financial need for the grant.

Applicant must be legally blind and a resident of the United States to qualify for this program. Applications must be submitted by June 30th, September 30th and December 31st for each grant period (three per year). Applicants will be notified if their request for a grant is approved. Applicants may submit one request per calendar year. All applications must be submitted via e-mail. You will be notified by ABC within 45 days after the application deadline.

You may fill out the request form below by pasting it in to your word processor and emailing it to: atf@blindcitizens.org.

IMPORTANT: Requests must be received, via email only, by June 30th, September 30th, or December 31st. It is important that your e-mail application be submitted without attachments. All text must be contained within the message portion of the e-mail. Recipients must be able to accept the grant within 30 days of being notified that the funding is available. If the award is not claimed within 30 days of notification or acceptance criteria above are not met, ABC reserves the right to withdraw funding for that award. This award may not be combined with any other grants or awards for the same device or system for which this award is granted and may be forfeited should full disclosure not be made at the time of application. All decisions are final and are not subject to any appeal process.

Association of Blind Citizens
Assistive Technology Request Form

Name:

First Line Of Address:

Second Line Of Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Telephone Number with area code:

Email address:

Provide a description of 500 or fewer words of the device you wish to purchase and how it will help you achieve employment or increase your independence

Center on Information Technology Accommodation
Government Services Administration (GSA) site with information on computer accessibility issues.

Closing The Gap, Inc.
An organization that focuses on computer technology for people with special needs through its bi-monthly newspaper, annual international conference and extensive web site.

disABILITY Information and Resources
Very comprehensive list of disability-related links.

Hyper Able-Data
Search for over 20,000 specially designed tools for people with disabilities. Search by word, type of product, company name or product name.

Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living
Links to all of the Illinois CILs that have home pages.

Infinitec
Aims to bring assistive technology to people with disabilities of all types in the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake and Kane.

RESNA
Home page of the Rehabilitation Engineers and Assistive Technology Society of North America; contains information on Tech Act grantees and credentialing.