Who is this best-suited for?

Programs in this band are for students who are seeking a certificate or degree, and may have had a 504 or IEP in school. They might require accommodations or modifications to access educational material successfully.

What skills do students need?

Students seeking a certificate or degree need to be able to: 

• navigate the campus independently, 
• advocate for themselves if they have a problem, and 
• work within the classroom setting independently.

Community Colleges 

College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn: DuPage County’s community college. COD has many programs and certificates available to students.      

• Main Home Page
• Admission
• Tuition
• Center for Access and Accommodations
• Degree Programs
• Certificate Programs
• Vocational Skills Courses

Harper Community College, Palatine: Even though Harper College is not our community college in DuPage, you can access services there and even receive the COD in district rate if Harper has a program or class that COD does not have. If your student works within Harper’s boundaries, they can also receive the in district rate!

• Main Home Page
• Admission
• Tuition
• Success Services for Students
• Academics
• Certificate Programs

Triton College, River Grove, IL: A smaller community college experience with a wide variety of degree and certificate programs and robust accommodations department. 

• Main Home Page
• Accommodative Services    

Trade Schools

Cisco, Burr Ridge, IL (Construction Industry Service Corporation): non-profit, labor management organization that serves union building trades and union contractors. See their apprenticeship guide which provides information on each trade including a contact person, basic requirements and how to apply. 

• Main Home Page 
• Apprenticeship Guide 

ETI School of Skilled Trades, Willowbrook, IL: offers training in HVAC and Welding.   

• Main Home Page 

Universal Technical Institute, Lisle, IL: offers 6 core programs of study and 6 specialized training programs.  

• Main Home Page 

Please see information below for resources regarding military careers, what to expect, and how to enlist. 

Requirements for Entry into the Military: 

• Must be a U.S. citizen or registered alien,
• Must be physically and morally fit, 
• Not have a felony record,
• Must possess a birth certificate,
• Must pass the ASVAB Test for aptitude (see below), 
• Must be a high school graduate. 

What You Need to Enlist: 

• Birth certificate,
• Social security card,
• High school diploma, 
• Registration card.

What to Expect After Enlisting: 

• An interview with a recruiter, 
• A rigid physical exam, 
• ASVAB test.

ASVAB TEST: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test is required for students choosing to enlist in the military. Read more about this test by clicking HERE. 

Resources for ASVAB preparation: 

• www.usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/aa043001a.htm
• http://www.testprepreview.com/asvab_practice.htm
• https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab
• http://www.asvabprogram.com/

ARMY

NAVY

AIR FORCE

MARINES

COAST GUARD

NATIONAL GUARD

ROTC - Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Who is this best-suited for?

This list provides resources for adults with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities. These opportunities provide full-time and part-time programming focused on recreation & leisure skills, vocational, social, and community instruction.

What skills do students need?

Skills vary based on the program. Most of these programs require that students have some functional independence skills and ability to participate in a group setting with peers and adult staff.

Adult Day Programs

Generally, there are two types of adult day programs. See below for the description of each. When touring adult day programs, be sure to ask what the program focus is.

Other Adult Day Programs:

*the level of support for clientele varies or is unknown at this time

• Valley Sheltered Workshop, Batavia, IL 
• Barbara Olson Center of Hope, Rockford, IL 
• Clearbrook, Arlington Heights, IL 
• Elim Christian Services, Palos Heights, IL
• Easter Seals of Metro Chicago, Chicago, IL 
• Misericordia Heart of Mercy, Chicago, IL 
• PACTT (Parents Allied with Children and Teachers for Tomorrow), Chicago, IL 
• Park Lawn Association, Oak Lawn, IL 
• El Valor, Chicago and suburbs
• Cherubim - Developmental Training Program, Wheaton

Special Recreation Programs 

Special needs recreation providers typically welcome participants of all ages and ability levels into their programs. Some examples of activities offered through a majority of local recreation providers include: arts and culture, athletics, dance, games, social clubs, bowling, and fitness. Special recreation associations are formed by two or more park districts and/or villages to provide community-based recreation activities for residents with disabilities. 

Often you are able to participate in activities that are not within your community of residence for a higher fee and space availability.  

The Downers Grove area is serviced by SEASPAR: South East Association for Special Parks & Recreation. Below are other special recreation organizations in the area.  

Other Special Recreation Programs: 

• Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, Lake Forest, IL 
• Jewish Council for Youth Services, Ingleside, IL 
• Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), Crystal Lake, IL 
• NWCSRA: Northern Illinois Will County Special Education Recreation Association
  • Communities Served: Bolingbrook, Lockport, Plainfield, Romeoville, Justice and Brookeridge
• LCSRA: Lily Cache Special Recreation Association
  • Communities Served: Bolingbrook and Plainfield 
• Gateway Special Recreation Association
  • Communities Served: Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Pleasant Dale, Westchester, York Center, Countryside,  Hinsdale and Willowbrook
• FVSRA: Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
  • Communities Served: Batavia, Fox Valley, Geneva, Oswego, St. Charles, Sugar Grove and South Elgin
• NEDSRA: Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association 
  • Community Served: Addison
• NWSRA: Northwest Suburban Special Recreation Association
  • Communities: Serves 17 different parking districts within the Northwest suburbs of Chicago

Who is this best-suited for?

Students may seek out employment support services if they have a mild intellectual or developmental disability and had an IEP in school. These individuals have the capacity to work competitively, but may lack some skills to do so independently.

What skills do students need?

To participate in employment services and facilitated work programs, individuals should:

• have the stamina and endurance to work in a competitive employment setting, 
• have the ability to follow multi-step directions, 
• know how to advocate for themselves when they need help, and 
• work with mild adult support.

Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)  

DRS is a state-based service available to adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Their goal is to help adults with disabilities find and keep jobs. They offer a variety of services, including access to job coaches, employment assistance, and training through the individual’s lifespan. DRS can also assist with financial assistance in college that will lead to gainful employment.

Most students are connected to a DRS agent while they are a student in D99, during their last year of high school. For students participating in the DRS/STEP work training program at their local high school, this process is completed in full for them. Please ask your child’s case manager to provide you with their contact information. 

If your child has not been connected to DRS, is graduating from high school, and is not moving onto T99, please contact the local office below to set up services. If your child is moving onto T99, the Vocational Coordinator and team can assist in this process. 

Local DRS Office: 
2901 Finley Road, Suite 109, Downers Grove, IL 60515 
(630) 495-0500
Department of Rehabilitation Services Website 

Facilitated Work Programs & Employment Resources 

Facilitated work programs are job training programs for adults with disabilities, who require additional training and support to be successfully employed. Some of these programs have strict parameters and eligibility requirements, while others offer general job training.

Project Search - Central DuPage Hospital, through this program, has committed to hiring individuals with developmental disabilities.  The program trains people with developmental disabilities to fill some of the high-turnover, entry-level positions in Operations, Clerical and Hospitality departments within the hospital system.

Inspired by Ability - Inspired by Ability is a paid job training program for individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 to 24 who have exited school. This program is funded by LWIA 6 (DuPage county) the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in the United States Department of Labor. This program targets individuals with disabilities who have exited the school system, are unemployed, and encounter barriers to employment.

Cornerstone Employment Services - Cornerstone Services provides progressive, comprehensive services to people with disabilities promoting choice, dignity, and the opportunity to live and work in the community. Since 1969, Cornerstone has been a leader in meeting the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

Parents Alliance Employment Project - Services provided by PAEP are based on the philosophy that all individuals have the right to work in the communities in which they live. PAEP provides a variety of programs and services to individuals with developmental disabilities including career counseling, job training and preparation, job development, job placement, and job coaching and follow-up. Each of the unique services assists individuals with disabilities to develop secure career plans, enter into and retain community employment.

Supportive Employment Alliance - This agency acts as a liaison between individuals with disabilities and prospective or current employers. They provide some job coaching and training.

Turning Pointe Autism Career Connection - This organization serves individuals who are on the autism spectrum. Services include a Career College, Job Listings and a Career Camp.

• Aspiritech, Highland Park and Chicago - Provides technology employment opportunities for some students on the Autism Spectrum
• Autonomy Works, Downers Grove - AutonomyWorks was founded to create jobs for people with autism and other disabilities. AutonomyWorks empowers your company to focus on strategy by taking on activities that divert time and energy away from critical business functions and decisions. We leverage the unique talents of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), along with technology and systems design, to provide both cost competitive solutions and exceptional quality.
• Aspire (708) 547-3550 - This agency has a variety of services for children and adults with disabilities. Services include: day programing, supportive employment, Aspire Industries Workshop, career pre-training and residential options.

PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Needs for Services)

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) 

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

Who is this best-suited for?

Individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities may be eligible to receive financial assistance. These programs help subsidize those who are unable to work competitively and earn a living wage due to their disability.

What skills do students need?

These programs require applications, interviews, and proof of disability. These programs are intended for individuals who are unable to competitively work and earn a living wage, directly related to their disability.

FUNDING SOURCES AVAILABLE:

1. PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Needs for Services)
2. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) 
3. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) 

*Many people confuse SSI and SSDI. Both are federal programs and are administered by the Social Security Administration. SSI is based on age/disability and limited income. SSDI is based on disability and work credits accrued. 

Prioritization of Urgency of Needs for Services (PUNS) 

PUNS provides up to $3,000.00 per month. For detailed information on what PUNS money can be used for, please click this link and refer to the 2 rightmost columns. 

An individual can apply to be on the PUNS list at any age. They must have an intellectual or developmental disability, click here for a list of qualifying disabilities.

Specific eligibility criteria: an IQ of 70 or less prior to their 18th birthday OR a diagnosed developmental disability prior to their 22nd birthday. 

You want to have PUNS funding post 22 years old to help pay for adult day programs, recreation opportunities, and/or housing. Because funding is scarce in IL, the PUNS list has an average 5 year waiting period from when an individual is enrolled on the list, to when they are selected to receive funding. Getting on this list should be a #1 priority due to the waiting period. 

When an individual is enrolled on the PUNS list they are put into one of two categories: 

1. Planning for Services: individuals will need $ later in life. 
2. Seeking Services: individual needs $ now for resources.

If you are on “planning for services” you are NOT eligible to be selected for funding. You are only eligible to be selected for funding if you are in the “seeking services” category. 

Important Notes about PUNS

• Individuals can receive both PUNS funding and SSI funding.
• Once selected and receiving PUNS funding, the individual will receive that money throughout their life until death. 
• The average wait time to receive funding is 5 years after they are in the “seeking services” category. To check on an individual’s status, email dhs.ddd.puns@illinois.gov. 
• There is moderate upkeep required with this, some families elect to hire a service to oversee their PUNS account for a fee. 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 

SSI is a federal program that provides monthly assistance to aid in the living expenses of someone with an approved disability. Money from SSI can be used to pay for a variety of things, including: housing, food, clothing, transportation, and respite.

It is advised that an individual applies for SSI after they are 18. If you apply prior to 18 years old, parent & caregiver’s incomes are factored into the monthly payments. If you apply after 18 years old, only the individual with a disability’s income is factored into the monthly payments.   

SSI Application Process

Once SSA makes a decision...

Local Social Security Administration Office: 
7440 Providence Drive Woodridge, IL 60517
(866) 303-2724
Woodridge SSA Office 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work. 

Most young adults apply for SSI benefits first. If they begin working while receiving SSI benefits, they accrue work credits. Once they accrue enough work credits, they become eligible for SSDI. They will be notified of this. 

Once someone is eligible for SSDI, they are automatically eligible for Medicare. Be sure to accept Medicare if it is offered. It can be used as a secondary insurance.

What Are Work Credits: 

• Based on your annual income from a job or through self-employment. 
• You can earn one credit per quarter of the year. 
• Can earn a maximum of four work credits yearly.
• The amount of earnings to earn a work credit changes each year; in 2024, 1 work credit = $1,730 worth of income. 

How Many Work Credits Do I Need? 

The number of work credits needed to qualify for disability benefits depends on the age when you became disabled. 

• Disabled before age 24. You need six work credits earned.

Applying for SSDI: 

SSDI uses the same application as SSI. If you have work history and have accrued credits, they will look at them and determine which benefit you are eligible for. Apply at SSA.gov. 

Local Social Security Administration Office: 
7440 Providence Drive Woodridge, IL 60517
(866) 303-2724
Woodridge SSA Office 

There are 2 public insurance options for individuals with disabilities. Even if an individual has private insurance, it is important to consider applying for these benefits as secondary insurance in order to access other disability benefits.

Families may consider using decision making supports if their child cannot make or communicate decisions regarding their personal care, they need help to make smart and appropriate decisions about medical treatment, residential placement, social services and other needs, or you need to be involved in your child’s medical care and/or financial affairs. 

Once an individual turns 18, they are their own legal guardian regardless of disability and support needs. Parents no longer have the authority to make decisions for their child, or even to be involved in these decisions without the express consent of their child. Families must decide what, if any, decision making supports need to be in place. 

In Illinois, there are different levels of support you can obtain to ensure that your child has the proper safeguards in place.  

If you have specific questions about these supports, it is recommended that you consult with a lawyer who is versed in special needs estate planning. You may also refer to the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission (IGAC) for information on these different supports. 

What is it? 

• Agreement that allows an adult with a disability to designate a “supporter” to help them making important life decisions 
• Alternative to guardianship or power of attorney 
• Does not require a court or attorney to complete 
• Allows the individual with a disability to make all final decisions, but have a supporter help them and provide input; supporter does not have the right to supercede their wishes or decisions 

Who is it for?  

• Person who is 18 years or older 
• Beneficial for students with an emotional disability, mild intellectual disability, learning disability, or similar disability 
• Families without citizenship status 
• Families who are still deciding if they are going to obtain a higher level of support 

Process: 

• Student identifies a “supporter” 
  • A “supporter” can be: a parent, sibling, relative, close family friend
  • A “supporter” cannot be: a boss or employer, an agency that provides services for the adult with a disability, an agency that helps the adult with their money 
• Student and supporter complete the form (linked below) 
• 2 witnesses sign the document 
  • Witnesses can be relatives, school team members, therapists, or other adults involved in the student’s life 
• Make copies of the document; supporter and individual should carry them in wallet or purse. Present document at bank, doctor, etc. 

Power of Attorney forms can be done on your own and then notarized. However, the majority of people choose to consult with a lawyer to complete these forms due to the sensitivity of the topic and to ensure everything is properly filled out.   

What is it? 

• Moderate restriction level.
• Alternative to guardianship, but more binding than a Supported Decision Maker Agreement. 
• A legal document that grants a person the authority to act on the behalf of an individual with a disability. 
• Three types in IL: healthcare, property, and mental health treatment. 
• POA can be tailored to specific one domain, some domains, or all domains. 

Who is it for?  

• Person who is 18 years or older 
• Individual has a desire to transfer specified rights to someone else 
• The individual can cognitively understand they are signing some of their rights to another person.  

Process: Again, most people seek legal guidance in this process. 

• Individual & person who will be POA decide which domains they will sign over. 
• Obtain correct form(s) (linked below) and complete. 
• Witness signs the POA. 
• Each form has requirements for witnesses. 
• Print copies, carry with individual and POA, distribute to any providers that it impacts (e.g. doctor’s office). 

Forms:

What is it? 

• Most restrictive level of decision making supports, 
• A court-approved, legally-binding duty that delegates all decisions and responsibilities to another person,
• Supersedes any other decision making agreements that were set up prior (supported decision maker and power of attorney). 

Who is it for? 

• An individual who is 18 years or older, 
• Has a disability that significantly impacts them,
• The disability must prevent the person from making or communicating responsible decisions about his/her personal affairs.

Who can serve as a guardian?

• An individual 18 years or older, 
• Has not been convicted of a serious crime,
• Is of sound mind, 
• Is a legal resident of the United States
• *You can appoint 2 people to be co-guardians when completing the forms (e.g. John and Jane Doe). 

To file for guardianship, you must prepare a series of forms and file them at the DuPage County Courthouse. Timeline is important, as the first form needs to be signed and completed by a physician. You have 90 days to file for guardianship after the physician form is complete. 

All forms, fees, and specific information about the process can be found here.

Transportation, or lack thereof, is one of the major barriers to employment and social engagement for many individuals with disabilities. Depending on the individual’s disability and how it impacts them, they may be eligible to receive reduced fare public transit options. Some families may wish to explore drivers education programs for individuals with disabilities. 

In any event, researching transportation options is important to give an individual independence and the ability to get around the community. 

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS & SUPPORTS AVAILABLE:

1. Supported Drivers Education Assessment Programs 
2. PACE ADA Paratransit 
3. RTA Travel Training 
4. RideShare Access Program (Uber & UZURV) 

Supported Drivers Education Assessment Programs  

These specialized programs are staffed by clinical staff (e.g. OTs, PTs) and certified driving instructors. They completed a comprehensive clinical and behind-the-wheel (BTW) evaluation. 

To schedule a driver evaluation, a prescription from a physician is required that includes the patient's diagnosis, and must also state, "OT Driver Evaluation and Treatment." Most insurance providers cover the cost of the clinical, but not the BTW evaluation. 

AMITA Health Rehabilitation Hospital, in Partnership with Shirley Ryan Abilitylab

• 935 Beisner Rd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
• 847-640-3119
• Driver Rehab Program Link AMITA

Northshore University HealthSystem - Evanston Medical Office Building  

• 1000 Central Street, Ste. 101 Evanston, IL 60201  
• 847-570-1260 
• Driver Rehab Program Link Northshore 

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital's Driver Rehabilitation Program

• 26W171 Roosevelt Road Wheaton, Illinois 60187
• 630-909-8000
• Driver Rehab Program Link Marian Joy

Strive For Independence

• 1919 S Highland Ave Building C Suite 119 Lombard, IL 60148 
• 630-984-1919
• Driver Rehab Program Link STRIVE

PACE ADA Paratransit 

ADA paratransit is a shared ride, advanced reservation, origin-to-destination transportation service for individuals who, because of their disability, are unable to use CTA or Pace fixed route transit service for some or all of their trip. Pace operates ADA Paratransit service for the entire RTA region.

ADA Paratransit users must make a reservation the day before a trip.

If your student is eligible, and attending T99, the staff will facilitate this process with your student if they are eligible. An application is required along with a photo ID and in person interview. 

If you would like to complete this process yourself, please see contact information below.

RTA's ADA Paratransit Certification Program
175 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1550 Chicago, IL 60604
312-663-HELP (4357) 
ADA Paratransit 

Hours: 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Travel Training 

RTA offers a “Travel Training” program for individuals who are eligible for taking accessible CTA, Metra, and Pace public transit, but may need some practice and direct teaching about how to do so successfully.

Participants in this training will work one-on-one with a Travel Trainer to receive a general introduction to bus and train accessibility. The goal of Individual Transit Orientation is to educate participants on how to use the entire transit system.

To access travel training and more information: 

• 312-913-3120
• TravelTraining@RTAChicago.org
• Travel Training Brochure

RideShare Access Program “RAP” - Uber & UZURV 

The RideShare Access Program is a subsidized program between PACE ADA and UBER and between PACE and UZURV.  Certified ADA paratransit riders are eligible to enroll in the RAP program. They can select either UBER or UZURV. This allows for same day scheduling at a reduced cost. 

Pace ADA RAP subsidizes:

• Up to 8 trips per day
• Riders pay $2 per trip 
• Pace subsidizes up to $28 per trip 
• If the total cost of the trip is over $30, riders are responsible for overages
• Trips must start and end within the Pace ADA service area

Note: Please make sure the phone number and email address that you use to create your Uber or UZURV account matches the contact information in your RAP profile.

To access the application and additional information:

• https://www.pacebus.com/rap
• https://www.uber.com/blog/using-uber-your-guide-to-the-pace-rap-program/
• https://uzurv.com/pace-rap/ 

Applying for an IL ABLE Account 

ELIGIBILITY: 

• You have a qualified disability, which began prior to your 26th birthday 
• You want to save money for your future of $2,000 or more, 

AND one of the below is true: 

• You have a medical diagnosis of a qualified disability, 
•  A medical professional can attest that your disability impacts your functioning, 
• You are receiving SSI or SSDI, or you are eligible for these benefits. 

WHAT IS AN ABLE ACCOUNT?

• A “safe zone” bank account for individuals with disabilities. 
• SSI/SSDI and other benefits have asset limits ($2,000). This means that in order to receive SSI/SSDI you cannot have more than $2,000 in your name. To remain eligible for these benefits, you need to have a protected account to save money over $2,000. An ABLE account can serve as that protected account. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Collect the necessary information to open an account:  
  • Proof of social security card
  • Driver’s license or state ID 
  • Date of birth 
  • Permanent US address 
  • Email address to be used for account communications
  • Current checking and savings account number and bank’s routing number
• Once you have collected the necessary documents, you can begin the application process here: illinoisable.com ➤ top right “Enroll” button. 
• Decide if you want to add an authorized individual (e.g. guardian, family member) to help manage the account. If so, complete necessary forms.

OTHER RESOURCES:

• Illinois ABLE Account: illinoisable.com  
• The ARC Information on ABLE: https://www.thearcofil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ABLE-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf
• Forms for ABLE Accounts: can be found on IL ABLE website 
• Disability Benefits 101: ABLE Accounts: https://il.db101.org/il/situations/workandbenefits/assets/program.able.htm

Legal Resources: Special Needs Estate Planning & Power of Attorney

Special Needs Alliance 

• Database of lawyers who work with special needs estate planning and guidance. 
• Website: https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/ 

O'Flaherty Law of Downers Grove

• Contact Info: 
  • 4949 Forest Ave Ste. 1B, Downers Grove, IL 60515
  • 630-528-1546
  • info@oflaherty-law.com 
• Website: https://www.oflaherty-law.com/   

Rubin Law of Buffalo Grove

• Contact Info: 
  • 1110 West Lake Cook Road, Suite 165 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
  • 847-279-7999
  • email@rubinlaw.com 
• Website: https://www.rubinlaw.com/ 

Glen Oak Financial Inc. 

• Contact Info:
  • 2001 Butterfield Rd, Suite 800 Downers Grove, IL 60515
  • (630) 795-6985
  • DGoel@GlenOakFinancial.com 
• Website: https://www.glenoakfinancial.com/ 

Reduced Fee & Free Legal Resources 

If you are considering opening a Special Needs Trust Fund or file for Power of Attorney, these require legal actions. For free and/or reduced fee legal advice, please contact one of these agencies: 

Prairie State Legal Services 

• 31W001 East North Avenue Suite 200 
• West Chicago, IL 60185 
• Phone: (630) 690-2130 

Legal Aid Society - Metropolitan Family Services

• Various Locations 
• Phone: (312) 986-4105

Special Needs Alliance 

• National organization that offers a searchable listing of attorneys who are members of this organization
• Website: https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/find-an-attorney/ 

Special Needs Answers 

• A searchable list of Illinois future planning professionals 
• Website: https://specialneedsanswers.com/illinois-special-needs-planners/chicago 

The Arc Of Illinois 

• Resources hub with access to information about future planning, including: finding a place to live, paying for items, making decisions, and getting a job
• Website: https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/future-planning/ 

Developmental Disabilities Services in IL 

• State’s website with information about disability services, how to access them, and contact information 
• Website: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=81789 

Assistive technology (AT) includes products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities. AT can be many different things, including: communication devices and boards, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze and/or head trackers, and prosthetics. 

If an individual receives PUNS funding or SSI, they may be able to apply some of their funds to AT products. 

General information about assistive technology and its uses: available here. 

• The Arc’s Tech Toolbox: This is a list of apps, software, and hardware that are tailored to meet specific needs of individuals with disabilities. There is a search function that allows users to limit the search to specific topics (e.g. communication, interpersonal relationships) and age range. 
• The Arc of Illinois' AT Fund: If an individual requires AT, but it is not approved through insurance, they may be eligible to apply for funding through The Arc of IL. 
• Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN): Provides computers (which are refurbished or donated) to individuals with disabilities. 
• Durable Medical Equipment: Provides linkages to individuals with disabilities to receive equipment such as wheelchairs, positioning items, power chairs, and more. 
• Illinois Assistive Technology Program: Offers information about AT programs, device training, assessments and evaluations, and other information.  
• Illinois Department of Human Services AT Resources: Provides a website bank of AT resources for Illinois.   
• Illinois Telecommunication Access Corporation (ITAC): Provides free devices to individuals with disabilities. Eligibility requirements and application are linked.