Olney Resources
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides expertise in assistive technology and accessible information technology to all Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and/or health conditions including family members, friends and caregivers.
IATP provides assistive technology demonstrations and allows people to see, try and borrow devices before making a purchasing decision. IATP also allows people to donate or obtain gently used assistive technology devices.
IATP also offers classes and help in finding the right AT devices for your needs:
- Tech Kitchen offers cooking classes in a home-style kitchen showcasing accessibility and adapted tools. Classes are for individuals 14 and up with any disability.
- Smart Home Technology features a five-room interactive Smart Home display highlighting home automation. Experts in assistive technology can discuss your needs and help you compare different AT devices. This program focuses on serving individuals receiving services from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS).
- IATP Makers provides custom AT devices and open-source 3D printer files for Illinois residents.
Equip for Equality is an independent agency whose primary goal is protecting the civil and human rights of citizens with disabilities.
Equip for Equality offers assistance that includes:
- Self-advocacy assistance
- Legal services
- Monitoring
- Training
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
NORD: National Organization for Rare Disorders
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) offers support, information and a variety of events for clinicians, researchers, patients and families affected by rare diseases.
NORD’s Resource Center provides patients and caregivers with free webinars, fact sheets, infographics, links to support and advocacy groups, and referrals for many rare disorders.
NORD’s RareCare Program website provides a list of financial assistance programs that can help patients obtain life-saving or life-sustaining medication they could not otherwise afford.
NORD’s State Resource Center contains local, state and national organizations listed by state or by topic offering free or low-cost services for people impacted by rare diseases.
ComeUnity is a parent support website with resources on parenting children with special needs, adoption, child development and multiple lists of groups and organizations providing information on specific topics or areas.
Visit www.comeunity.com/index.html.
PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults. It serves families across the nation.
Parents can find publications, workshops and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment and other services for their children with disabilities.
American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association
The American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is a non-profit association of individuals and healthcare professionals who are interested in clinical care and research advancements for those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions.
ACPA provides important information for families, patients and professionals on topics associated with cleft or craniofacial care as well as educational materials in English and Spanish, scholarship information and more.
Home modification refers to converting or adapting the environment in order to make performing tasks easier, reduce accidents, and support independent living.
Homemods.org has compiled a variety of resources on home modification resources to provide education, training and information for your own home modification needs.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (formerly NICHCY)
The Center for Parent Information and Resources is a national information and referral center on disabilities and related issues (formerly the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities or NICHCY). Information is available in Spanish also.
Universal Telephone Assistance Program
Linkup and Lifeline are two federally funded programs that assist families with paying for telephone installation and monthly service. Eligibility requirements apply.