SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities or health issues achieve greater independence. In recognition of this mission, Governor JB Pritzker has declared October 2026 as Assistive Technology Month, shining a light on the vital work performed by organizations like IATP.
Founded nearly 40 years ago, IATP has grown significantly since its inception with just one employee. Barbara Doyle, a board member, noted that the organization now employs over 80 staff members who work to provide essential assistive technology services.
“As a person who lives with a person with disabilities, I can say personally that small changes in assistive technology make a big difference in life,” Doyle stated. “People with disabilities want to participate. They want to work, and technology can help.”
IATP offers a range of assistive technologies suitable for individuals across all age groups, including adaptive toys for children and devices designed to aid those with hearing and vision impairments. The organization’s facility features a demonstration center where visitors can experiment with various technologies, such as adaptive peelers, vision enhancers, and mobility aids.
Jessica Schuyler-Weir, the director of training at IATP, emphasized the importance of personalized assistance in finding suitable technology. “They can talk about what their needs are or what their family members’ needs are, and we’re able to actually go to that device inside the demo center and look at it,” Schuyler-Weir explained. “They’re able to try it out, and we can make that connection.”
In addition to interactive demonstrations, IATP runs programs that allow individuals to borrow devices for trial use before making a purchase. They also support those who may not qualify for traditional assistive technology programs.
One unique feature of the organization is its tech kitchen, where staff demonstrate user-friendly cooking tools such as braille measuring cups, adaptive potato peelers, and specialized chopping devices. “A lot of people don’t really know who we are until they need us,” remarked Karen Birky, the director of communication at IATP. “So the proclamation gets our name out there and gets people out here to see who we are, so we can better assist people.”
