Assistance Technology Program

arc of illinois

The Arc of Illinois, through a generous donation, has developed a new Assistive Technology Program.  This program will fund, or partially fund, the purchase of assistive technology for individuals with intellectual and/or development disabilities who have received an evaluation/assessment from a qualified provider but the purchase is not subsidized by Medicaid, Medicare or Private Insurance.

Their goal through the Assistive Technology Program, is to enhance and improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities by providing opportunities for individuals for individuals to receive technology to help with education, employment, community living  and independence.

The maximum amount funded will be $500 per person or family. Upon approval, the device will be shipped directly to the applicant.

Who Can Apply?
   A person with an intellectual or  developmental disability
   Family member on behalf of a person with an intellectual or developmental disability
   Must be an Illinois residentHow Do I Apply?

   The application form must be completed and returned to The Arc of Illinois
   You must include a copy of an evaluation/assessment to show the need for the assistive tech­nology device and what type of device is needed.
The Arc of Illinois, through a generous donation, has developed a new Assistive Technology Program. This program will fund, or partially fund, the purchase of assistive technology for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who have received an evaluation/assessment from a qualified provider but the purchase is not subsidized by Medicaid, Medicare or Private Insurance.
Our goal through the Assistive Technology Program, is to enhance and improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual/ developmental disabilities by providing opportunities for individuals to receive technology to help with education, employment, community living and independence.
The maximum amount funded will be $500.00 per person or family. Upon approval, the device will be shipped directly to the applicant.CONTACT
The Arc of Illinois 20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209 Frankfort, IL 60423 Phone 815-464-1832 Fax 815-464-5292


Email: janet@thearcofil.org

Health, Education and Policy Resources

New Affordable Care Act Resource Available from The Arc – Capitol Insider – Week of February 3, 2014

The National Disability Navigator Resource Collaborative has released the first of several fact sheets entitled “Comparing Health Plans’ Benefits and Coverage Summaries.” This fact sheet is intended to inform navigators and other enrollment specialists about what people with disabilities need to look for in the Summary of Benefits and Coverage. The entire list of upcoming fact sheets is also available on their website. This information complements the earlier publication by the collaborative, “Guide to Disability for Healthcare Insurance Marketplace Navigators”, designed to inform navigators and other enrollment specialists about special considerations people with disabilities may face as they shop for healthcare coverage. The Collaboration is a project of the American Association on Health and Disability and is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Arc is one of the seven national organizations participating in the collaboration. The Arc encourages chapters and members to share the availability of the guide and other resources with Affordable Care Act navigators in their community.

Education

Department of Education Releases Charter Schools Program Non-Regulatory Guidance
from The Arc – Capitol Insider – Week of February 3, 2014

The US Department of Education released Charter Schools Program Non-Regulatory Guidance for charter schools that receive federal funds allowing them to use weighted lotteries in admissions in favor of disadvantaged students as long as lotteries are permissible under a state’s charter school law. “Disadvantaged” students include students who are economically disadvantaged, students with disabilities, migrant students, limited English proficient students, neglected or delinquent students, and homeless students. Federal startup funds are provided to charter schools in order to evaluate and expand the number of high quality charter schools across the nation.

CEC Unveils New Evidence -Based Practice Standards
from CEC’s Policy Insider – January 29, 2014

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) has released its CEC Standards for Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education, a report commissioned by the CEC Board of Directors.

For the past five years, a work group comprised of seven special education researchers developed, vetted, and piloted the new standards for determining evidence-based practices (EBPs) in special education. CEC’s goal is that the standards will be applied to better understand the effectiveness of a range of practices for learners with disabilities.
CEC President Robin D. Brewer acknowledges CEC’s deep appreciation to its expert members in the workgroup including Bryan Cook, Chair, Virginia Buysse, Janette Klingner, Tim Landrum, Robin McWilliam, Melody Tankersley, and Dave Test.
Download the CEC Standards for Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education report.