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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 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. 

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 was born three months premature and diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was two-years-old. Julian attended the Lily Garden Childcare Center for over three years, which offered tremendous support to him and his father. Julian made significant strides in learning social skills, achieving more independence and making friends in his class.

  • A child sitting in a therapy room sitting smiling.

    Defining Success

    Charlie and Ahalya are siblings who are defying the odds and achieving their goals thanks to Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley. Learn more at: eastersealsdfvr.org

    Thank you to Digital Pollen for their production and GCA for their sponsorship to help tell this story.

Resources

Cerebral Palsy Services

See All Resources
  • 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, policies, and answers to common questions, it’s designed to support your family every step of the way.

  • boy with assistive tech device and parent
    Advice & Facts

    Resources for Parents of Children with Disabilities and Caregivers

    It's something exciting to see - infants, children and adults who are empowered and thriving. At Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley, we offer a wide range of resources to parents of children with disabilities and their caregivers, as well as the professionals who assist them.
  • A child riding a bike with a red helmet on a walkway.
    Advice & Facts

    Helping Children Ride a Bike

    Summer is a popular time when caregivers ask me to work on bike riding with their kids as one of their goals.

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.