Illinois Assistive Technology Program - IATP

Vendor Spotlight – Family Matters

Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center exists to provide education, support, resources, and community linkages for families navigating the Special Education system, experiencing key educational transitions, and seeking needed supports and services in the school and community. They work with students with disabilities and their families to ensure they understand their educational rights under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and can fully participate in the Special Education process.

Family Matters aims to ensure families and self-advocates have the information and resources needed to access the services and supports they need. They strive to support families seeking a positive, inclusive, and individualized educational experience for their children. They are the federally funded Parent Training and Information Center for the state of Illinois.

For more information on Family Matters, visit https://fmptic.org/welcome.html.

Stop by IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair on Monday, October 26 from 9 am to noon and 3 to 6 pm to talk with Family Matters and other vendors.

For more information on IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair, visit https://iltech.org/event/iatp-open-house-resource-fair/

Governor Pritzker has proclaimed September 21-25, 2026, as Falls Prevention Awareness Week in Illinois.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among people 65 and older in Illinois. Many older adults prefer to stay at home for as long as possible, but often don’t think about whether a home fits their needs as they age. A good way to ensure that a home is ready for aging in place is to make improvements before they are needed. These improvements also prevent falls.

Looking for ways to make you or someone you know safer from falls? Contact IATP’s Demonstration Center to schedule a tour to see many ways to prevent falls. https://iltech.org/contact/

Vendor Spotlight – Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The philosophy of community at the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired is founded in the belief that blindness or being visually disabled, should not be a barrier from enjoying a happy, healthy, and productive lifestyle.

As a certified supportive living community for the blind and visually impaired located in Springfield, Illinois, the Mary Bryant Home offers its residents a chance to live independently and experience all of the many great things life has to offer.

For more information on Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired visit http://www.marybryanthome.org/

Stop by IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair on Monday, October 26 from 9 am to noon and 3 to 6 pm to talk with Mary Bryant Home and other vendors. For more information on IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair, visit https://iltech.org/event/iatp-open-house-resource-fair/.

Vendor Spotlight - The Illinois State Police / Fi****ms Restraining Order – Empowering Law Enforcement and Families to Prevent Gun Violence.

On January 1, 2019, the Fi****ms Restraining Order Act (430 ILCS 67/1) went into effect in Illinois. The Fi****ms Restraining Order Act provides a formal legal process to ask a court to issue a Fi****ms Restraining Order (or “FRO”) to temporarily limit an individual’s access to fi****ms, am******on, and fi***rm parts when that person poses a significant danger to themselves or others.

The purpose of the Fi****ms Restraining Order Act is to prevent individuals who pose an elevated risk of endangering themselves or others from accessing fi****ms, am******on, and fi***rm parts before they harm themselves or others.

For more information on Fi****ms Restraining Order Act, visit https://isp.illinois.gov/Fi****msSafety.

Stop by IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair on Monday, October 26 from 9 am to noon and 3 to 6 pm to talk with Illinois State Police and other vendors.

For more information on IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair, visit https://iltech.org/event/iatp-open-house-resource-fair/.

Vendor Spotlight - ECVI

Educational Center for the Visually Impaired (ECVI) provides education, training & resources so the visually impaired are able to live safe, independent and fulfilling lives. At ECVI, you’ll find a positive and inclusive culture where our leadership team, personal vision coaches and volunteers promote the mission, vision and values of the organization.

ECVI develops an individualized skill development plan (ISDP) for each student. For more information on the Educational Center for the Visually Impaired, visit https://www.ecvispringfield.org/

Stop by IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair on Monday, October 26 from 9 am to noon and 3 to 6 pm to talk with ECVI and other vendors.

For more information on IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair, visit https://iltech.org/event/iatp-open-house-resource-fair/

Vendor Spotlight- The Arc of Illinois

The Arc of Illinois advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and community organizations to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, learn, and play in communities across the state.

The Arc offers resources and information, supports families in their individual advocacy efforts and trains and educates people with disabilities, families and professionals among other things.

Stop by IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair on Monday, October 26 from 9 am to noon and 3 to 6 pm to talk with The Arc of Illinois and other vendors.

For more information on The Arc of Illinois, visit https://www.thearcofil.org/

For more information on IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair, visit https://iltech.org/event/iatp-open-house-resource-fair/.

Vendor Spotlight – Illinois AgrAbility

AgrAbility enhances the quality of life for farmers, veterans, and other agricultural workers with disabilities, so they, their families, and their communities continue to succeed in rural America. To date, more than 1,500 farm clients have received one-on-one services though Illinois AgrAbility.

Illinois AgrAbility is a partnership between the University of Illinois Extension, Community Health Partnership of Illinois, and Illinois Assistive Technology Program.

Stop by IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair on Monday, October 26 from 9 am to noon and 3 to 6 pm to talk with Illinois AgrAbility and other vendors.

To get involved in the AgrAbility program or to learn more, contact Illinois AgrAbility at [email protected] or call 217-244-2948.

Have gently used durable medical equipment (DME) not being used? Donate it to us! During the Open House Event on Monday, October 26 from 9 am to noon and 3 to 6 pm, IATP is hosting a DME drive. Bring your gently used DME to IATP and come learn more about our programs.

The donations will increase IATP’s Reuse Program inventory, therefore helping more individuals throughout the community. Also, the DME drive promotes sustainability by giving valuable equipment a second life.

To see a list of acceptable items and more details on the Open House, visit https://iltech.org/event/iatp-open-house-resource-fair/

Let's spotlight another vendor for the Open House and Resource Fair on October 16th: IL ABLE

IL ABLE “Achieving a Better Life Experience” Accounts give people with disabilities and their families greater financial independence while preserving benefits. A high-quality, low-cost IL ABLE savings and investment Account can be opened by an Eligible Individual, or Authorized Individual, at any time, no matter what state they live in.

For more information on IL ABLE Accounts, visit https://illinoisable.com/

To learn more about IATP’s Open House Event visit the Facebook event page or our website at https://iltech.org/event/iatp-open-house-resource-fair/.

IATP’s Open House and Resource Fair is on Monday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3 to 6 p.m.

We will be spotlighting our Resource Fair Vendors over the next few weeks. First up is AgeLinc!

AgeLinc (Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland) funds transportation and nutrition programs, assist with applying for discount license plates and bus passes, help with Medicare Part D enrollment, provide educational opportunities as well as provide support to caregivers and LGBT+ Seniors. If you are 60 or over, a disabled adult (for certain programs) or a family caregiver (18 or over), it all starts with AgeLinc!

AgeLinc services are free; however, services have eligibility requirements. For more information on AgeLinc, visit https://agelinc.org/

For more information on the IATP Open House and Resource Fair, visit https://iltech.org/event/iatp-open-house-resource-fair/