Illinois Governor Proclaims Assistive Technology Month, Shedding Light on Springfield’s Work
On October 2026, Illinois JB Pritzker officially declared the month as Assistive Technology Month, a move that spotlighted the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) in Springfield. The program, which has operated for nearly four decades, provides tools and support to individuals with disabilities or health conditions, enabling them to live more independently. The proclamation, announced in Springfield, aims to raise awareness about the organization’s mission and the role of assistive technology in daily life.
The IATP’s impact is rooted in its long-standing commitment to accessibility. Founded 37 years ago with a single employee, the program now employs over 80 staff members and offers a wide range of services, from adaptive toys for children to mobility aids for adults. Barbara Doyle, a board member, emphasized the profound effect of small technological advancements. “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,” she said. “People with disabilities want to participate. They want to work, and technology can help.”
The Tech Kitchen: A Hub for Innovation and Accessibility
One of IATP’s most unique features is its “tech kitchen,” a space where visitors can test adaptive devices in a real-world setting. Staff demonstrate tools like braille measuring cups, potato peelers that only need one or two fingers, and chopping devices that cut food, but not fingers. Jessica Schuyler-Weir, the organization’s director of training, explained how the center bridges the gap between need and solution. “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, and they’re able to try it out,” she said. “We can make that connection.”
The tech kitchen exemplifies IATP’s mission to demystify assistive technology. Karen Birky, the organization’s director of communication, noted that many people remain unaware of the program until they face a challenge. “A lot of people don’t really know who we are until they need us,” she said. “So the proclamation gets our name out there and gets people out here to see who we are, so we can better assist people.”
IATP Offers Device Borrowing to Reduce Financial Barriers
IATP’s approach to accessibility extends beyond demonstrations. The organization offers programs that allow individuals to borrow devices before purchasing them, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent access to tools. Schuyler-Weir highlighted the importance of this service: “We have programs that let people borrow devices to try them out before investing in the technology, along with other programs for people who don’t qualify for assistive technology in other ways.”
IATP Focuses on Its Immediate Community
For now, IATP’s focus remains on its immediate community.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Broader Support
As Illinois celebrates Assistive Technology Month, the spotlight on IATP highlights its role in supporting individuals with disabilities.
