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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. 

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    AAC Intensive

    This program offers individual support and intensity to facilitate faster progress toward AAC-based communication goals.

Our Stories

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    Taco Bell Foundation Expands Internship Program

    Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley is honored to receive a Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation as part of the Foundation's record-breaking $32 million investment supporting 700 nonprofit organizations nationwide.
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    Jack's Year in Review

    There was no playbook for Jack’s parents to follow through his premature birth, NICU stay, cerebral palsy diagnosis, or countless doctor visits. But when they found Easterseals, they found direction, support, and hope.
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    Addy & Lily

    At our Gala three years ago, we introduced Addy and Lily – twin sisters, who were born conjoined at the chest and spent nearly 11 months in the hospital before undergoing the surgery that would successfully separate them.

    We also honored a team of Easterseals therapists who supported Addy and Lily’s earliest achievements and are still a part of their milestones.
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    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!

Resources

Cerebral Palsy Services

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    Advice & Facts

    IEP Help

    We have information to dispel the myths about the transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood and empower you through the many transitions as your child grows.
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    Advice & Facts

    Quick Links

    Connecting Families to Care and Information
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    Special Needs Trust

    Establishing a Special Needs Trust helps establish resources, stability, and support for your child's future - without compromising existing benefits.

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.