Easter Seals Disability Services

Assistive Technology

Expert speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists assist individuals in achieving their personal best through assistive technology.  Our therapists help individuals to perform daily living activities that they could not otherwise do.  Using a speech generating system to talk with others and controlling a computer software program with a simple head movement are possible through the use of assistive technology.

The equipment utilized within evaluation and therapy sessions is also available for demonstration to those interested in learning more about assistive technology and how it impacts the lives of children and young adults with disabilities.  The following are a few examples of the assistive technology we use:

• Adaptive keyboards such as IntelliKeys USB Board, onscreen keyboards for alternate access via mouse control, etc.
• Access options to all technology via items such as switches, joysticks, headpointers, etc.
• Speech generating devices (SGDs) such as the Vantage/Vanguard II, Dynavox V series, Mercury, Tango, Palmtop 3, Tech Talk, BIGMacks, etc.
• Software programs that help address literacy, writing, math and play.

These systems and options, plus many others, assist our clients.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
The Assistive Technology services listed below are provided by assistive technology specialists, which are licensed with the state of Illinois and certified by their corresponding national organizations.  These services are fee-based.  Please contact the Assistive Technology Department for current prices and any other information you need at 630-261-6210.

Assistive Technology Evaluation/Augmentative Communication Evaluation: 

The purpose of the evaluation is as follows:
1. Determine what types/forms of assistive technology are appropriate for the individual. 
2. Provide individuals and their families, as well as the referral sources, suggestions on usage and implementation.   
A team of therapists specially trained in assistive technology administers the evaluation.  The multidisciplinary evaluation is composed of a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapist.

A referral for the evaluation can come from a physician, therapist, family member, school or any other involved person.  A written report is generated and the cost for this is included in the evaluation fee.

Please select the Evaluation you are interested in:
                              AT Eval-Augmentative Communication Focus
                              AT Eval-Computer Focus

Assistive Technology/Augmentative Communication Consultation:

The purpose of the consultation is to provide assistive/augmentative application support.  A consultation occurs upon a referral from a therapist, school, physician, or other involved person.  A brief written note is generated.  Consultation rates contracted over 3 hours may be negotiated.

Please contact the Assistive Technology Department for additional information at 630-261-6210.

Inservicing:

Presentations to school staff, other professionals, and families regarding assistive technology device systems, software, etc.  Contracts need to be obtained prior to date of service.

School Staffing:

Services include attendance at appropriate multidisciplinary conferences in order to relay information, determine progress, goals and appropriate progression of treatment.  This may be necessary to provide accurate interpretation of the evaluation/consultation or intervention information.

Assistive Technology/Augmentative Communication Intervention Sessions:

Services include intervention and treatment utilizing computer technology with modifications, and/or to simulate augmentative and alternative communication systems for training and diagnostics.  These sessions allow drill, practice, repetition and challenge in monitoring skills in the following areas:  cognition, articulation, language, sequencing, memory, problem solving, pragmatics, and motoric access for written language as appropriate to the individual being served.  Sessions are arranged for 6-8 week periods with sessions ranging from 45-60 minutes in length, one or two times a week as scheduling allows.  Sessions may be extended with the agreement between parent and therapist.

Please contact Assistive Technology Department for admission procedures and any other information you need at 630-261-6210.

Customization/Modification/Fabricaton:

Services include creation or development of manual communication systems, customizations or modifications of speech output systems and computer systems. 

Please click here for Assistive Technology Resources & Websites



EASTER SEALS DFVR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY STAFF BIOGRAPHIES:
Judy Gardner
Kate Roth
Kathleen Post
Lisa Alfonsi
Beth Walkington
Amanda Hughes

    For more information, please contact us.