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Together we can find the technology you need to pursue your goals

Who are we?

The Assistive Technology Unit (ATU) is a collaborative team of architects, occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation engineers, special educators, and speech language pathologists. Our staff are certified by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) as Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs).

Who do we serve?

The ATU serves people with disabilities of all ages, from children to adults. Services for school-aged children are delivered in collaboration with the school-based special education team.

What do we do?

We help you find and acquire commercially available, modified, or custom-designed equipment to maximize your independence – anything from simple tools that make everyday living more efficient to 3D printed accessories for your wheelchair. We can also help make your home more accessible. Scroll through the chart below to learn about all the areas we cover.

Our assessments are completely individualized and focused on you. We gather information about your goals, needs and opportunities through interviews, observation, and assessments with input from family and/or team members.

As the largest mobile assistive technology program in the country, we use our fleet of nine mobile vans to bring our services directly to your home, school, worksite, or place of recreation. Try out devices where you use them while the people important to you take part and learn along with you.

We schedule appointments for a time and place that provides the best environment for natural opportunities and input from vital family and/or team members. Each appointment ranges from 1-2 hours in length.

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Stats and Facts

95% of our services are provided in the community
Over
290
people receive home accessibility services from our
9
mobile units
25 years of service to northern Illinois' underserved communities

Our services

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technologies are devices and strategies that allow you to maximize your independence. Below are some of the different types of tools we can help you explore, acquire, and learn to use. Choose any area to get started.

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Sandy Magaña and Tamar Heller sit next to each other and talk about documents laid before them on a table

​On the frontlines of innovation

We’re part of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) and Illinois‘ University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities—home to innovative research centers and renowned leaders in the field of disabilities.

This helps us bring you services that are based on the very latest in research and best practices.

Learn more about UIC DHD

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ATU fleet of mobile unit vans

Contact us today

Can you or someone you know benefit from an assistive technology evaluation?

We provide AT evaluations to around 400 individuals a year of all ages with a range of disabilities. Referrals can come from a variety of sources, including consumers, family members, social services agencies, school districts, physicians and other medical staff and advocates.

Inquire about services

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Glenn Hedman

We're here for you

If you have questions about referrals, assessments, training, or your specific assistive technology needs, our team is here to help.

Contact Glenn Hedman at: