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Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley
Caregiver and women sitting together with an assistive technical device.

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (AT) at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley improves the functional capabilities of children with disabilities through the implementation of strategies, technologies, and products.

Overview

“For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier.  For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.”

To get started, contact our Intake Coordinator, Mary Beth Scholtes at 630.261.6287 to ask questions or for scheduling. 

Our Programs

Augmentative and Assistive Communication (AAC)

AAC includes all forms of communication that are used to supplement or replace oral speech to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas.  AAC allows children to communicate more easily and, in doing so, reduces frustrations for the individual and his or her family.  Our department is comprised of assistive technology specialists including licensed speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists. Our services include augmentative communication evaluations, individualized interventions, consultations, communication system development, in-services, trainings and more.

Why Begin Here?

Doctors continually refer children to our AT department because our staff is comprised of experts who use both high and low-technology strategies to help each child succeed. We have a Speech-Language Therapy department and access to communication and technology devices from leading manufacturers. We are able to use, recommend and customize systems to meet the needs of each individual child. With advanced training on DIRFloortime, device coaching, modeling and more, our pathologists can successfully help every child's ability to grow their vocabulary and communicate their needs, wants and interests.

We provide center-based therapy, teletherapy and home-based therapy for children in the Early Intervention program. We also offer school-based services through contracts with individual schools or districts.

Assistive Technology Evaluations

Our Assistive Technology assessment process has been updated to be more integrated and comprehensive to maximize our clients' and families' outcomes. See more information about our AT Assessments updates here. Critical updates include the following.
 

  • Coordinate and use other therapies or services with AT communication systems, including existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs.
  • Provide training and technical assistance for children with disabilities and their families to ensure AT communication systems are utilized to their full potential.
  • Provide training and technical assistance for professionals who provide services to children with disabilities through Early Intervention programs.

Department Services

Department Services include:

1. Augmentative Communication Evaluations

  • Diagnostic Therapy
  • Therapy
  • Customization of systems
  • Consultations
  • Parent training

2. iPad and iPod Touch Consultations

  • Parent training
  • Customization of apps services

3. Positioning and Mobility Clinic

  • Manual and Powered Mobility Evaluations
  • Home positioning options
  • Consultations
  • Fitting appointments

4. AAC Mentor Program
 

We offer periodic mentorship or peer group programs for AAC users. Contact our Intake Coordinator, Mary Beth Scholtes at 630.260.6287 to ask questions or schedule an appointment. 

Are you interested in learning more about our virtual services options? Click here to learn more about Tele-Therapy. 

  • Young child and therapist interacting with AAC device.

    AAC Intensive

    This program offers individual support and intensity to facilitate faster progress toward AAC-based communication goals.
  • Child with AAC device handing two speech-language pathologists playdoh

    Camp CommunicATe

    Designed for adolescents who use AAC, this small‑group program supports social connection, idea sharing, and peer learning across communication styles.

Our Stories

See All Stories
  • Photo of Raizel holding a gold medal at Special Olympics

    Growing with Courage, Community, and Hope

    Raizel's journey began at Easterseals at just five months old. After her diagnosis, she began multidisciplinary therapy services. Almost 19 years later, she has achieved huge milestones!
  • Child on playground looking to the side

    Julian's Journey

    Julian, born three months premature and later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, attended the Lily Garden Childcare Center for over three years. During that time, he gained social skills, independence, and built meaningful friendships with strong support for both him and his father.

  • family of five against an ivy wall smiling and holding hands

    A Powerful Story of Progress

    When Brinley was only two days old, doctors discovered that her brain had not formed fully or correctly. Her parents wondered, would she walk? Would she talk? They turned to Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley for answers.

Resources

Cerebral Palsy Services

See All Resources
  • Man in blue with a trach and wheelchair looking to the side with a lake and greenery in the background
    Advice & Facts

    Adult Resource List

    At Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley, we empower clients to continue reaching their goals throughout adulthood.
  • young boy receiving physical therapy outside the home
    Directory

    Client Handbook

    The Client Handbook is your essential resource for navigating services at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley. Packed with helpful information and clear policies, it’s designed to support your family every step of the way.

  • Child smiling in an outdoor setting.

    Down Syndrome Therapy Services

    Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley offers down syndrome therapy services and treatments for children, as well as support for parents and siblings.

Other Areas of Support

Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley offers these services at our centers in Villa Park, Naperville, and Elgin. To get started or learn more, call us at 630.282.2022.