Assistive Technology

“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. 

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 Assesments 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. 

Cerebral Palsy Services

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.