The links below are provided to assist parents, caregivers, and educational teams to learn more about specific topics related to Special Education and Assistive Technology.
Assistive Technology in Illinois
The Illinois Assistive Technology Manual
- Specifically written about Assistive Technology services in Illinois
- Information about AT devices and services
- Guides teams in best practices in the area of Assistive Technology
Illinois School Code – 2018 Update
- Reinforces the IDEA regulation that IEP teams must consider Assistive Technology at every IEP meeting.
- The IEP team shall provide the child’s parent/guardian with written notification that informs them that the IEP is required to consider whether the child requires assistive technology in order to receive FAPE
- Requires the notification from the Local Education Agency (LEA) must include a toll-free telephone number and internet address for the State’s assistive technology program.
Special Education Resources
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Relevant sections include 300.105, 300.5, and 300.6
- Use the search bar for looking up specific information in the law
Vanderbilt Iris Center Training Modules on Accommodations and Modifications
- Short presentation about accommodations and modifications
- Definitions and examples given
Special Education in Illinois (ages 3-21)
Illinois Special Education Site
- Links to all areas of special education
- Additional resource links can be found on this site
Illinois Special Education Parent/Guardian Information Site
- Includes links to sections of the Parent Guide
- English and Spanish links provided
- Additional resource links can be found on this site
Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois, The Parent Guide
- Chapters on different areas of Special Education
- Written to help explain areas of special education in terms that are easy to understand
- Includes flow charts, links to additional resources, quick reference charts, and a glossary of terms
Instructions for Individualized Education Program Forms
- Guidance on how to complete IEP forms in the state of Illinois
Illinois IEP Notice of Procedural Safeguards
- Parents/guardians receive a copy of this at every IEP and evaluation meeting
- Documents the rights of the parent/guardian and the rights of the student
Illinois Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Network
- MTSS is a framework for continuous improvement that is systemic, prevention-focused, and data-informed, providing a coherent continuum of supports responsive to meeting the needs of all learners
Illinois Response to Intervention (RTI) Network
- The services of the Network primarily involve the delivery of high quality professional development based on adult learning principles and consisting of training, technical assistance, and coaching
Early Intervention (ages 0-3)
Early Intervention Services in the state of Illinois
- Statewide program for children ages 0-3 who need support to meet developmental milestones
- Provides support and services for families and children
Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
- Resources for parents/guardians
- Tips sheets, blog, newsletter access
- Resources for Early Intervention providers
Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse Tip Sheets
- Tip sheets on different areas of early intervention services
- Resources to help learn more about children ages 0-3
Efficiency of Early Intervention With and at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Article from the National Library of Medicine
IFSP – Individualized Family Service Plan Form Instructions
- IFSP is created when a child ages 0-3 has been found to have a disability
- General document guidelines for an IFSP
Transition Services (ages 18-21)
- Guide for postsecondary education and employment for students and youth with disabilities
- Transition planning: opportunities and programs
- Transition services and requirements, as authorized by IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act
- Education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities after leaving secondary school
- Supporting the decisions made by students and youth with disabilities
Indicator 13: Secondary Transition
- Guidance on what is in a transition plan
- Required to be considered starting when a student is 14
- The goal of Indicator 13 is a strong transition plan that addresses all required components and enables the student to experience postsecondary success
Services, Agencies, and Information
That Provide Parent Supports
Infinitec
- The mission of Infinitec is to advance independence and promote inclusive opportunities through technology for children and adults with disabilities through technology
- Services provided through Infinitec include information services, access to assistive technology equipment, training and education programs, as well as access to specialists
7550 W. 183rd St.
Tinley Park, IL 60477
708-444-8460
They also manage programs to assist with DME (Durable Medical Equipment) and ATEN (The Assistive Technology Exchange Network)
DME helps to provide durable medical equipment resources to benefit children and adults with permanent or temporary disabilities and to provide an outlet for individuals to donate durable medical equipment. Equipment includes items such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, power chairs, commodes, seating, and positioning items.
Matina Travis. mtravis@ucpnet.org 708.444.8460 x230
ATEN refurbishes and recycles donated computers and distributes them to individuals with disabilities. Each year, ATEN provides Illinois students in special education programs with more than 4,000 computers and related equipment donated by individuals and corporations. ATEN’s recycling diverts more than 300 tons of hazardous e-waste from Illinois landfills annually.
Greg Grill ggrill@ucpnet.org 708.444.8460 x 231
- Every state is mandated to have a “tech act” program
- Resource for the state and people of all ages for information about assistive technology
- Offices are located in Springfield
- Consultants and some evaluators across the state
- You are welcome to call them, email them, or drop by their demonstration center (if you are in Springfield)
- IATP is able to provide resources, including limited rentals of some technology
1020 South Spring Street
Springfield, IL 62704
Voice:(217) 522-7985
Voice:(800) 852-5110
Fax: (217) 522-8067
Illinois Relay Services: Dial 7-1-1
Resources for Families from the Illinois Department of Human Services
- Links to more resources for families with children age 3 and older
Illinois State University (SEAT Center)
- Special Education Assistive Technology (SEAT) Center
- Located in Fairchild Hall 324 at Illinois State
- Community of people working together to help individuals with disabilities through assistive technology
UIC ATU (Assistive Technology Unit)
- Collaborative team of architects, occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation engineers, special educators, and speech-language pathologists
- Staff are certified by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) as Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP)