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Infinite Potential Through Assistive Technology
Infinitec Assistive Technology coalition promotes opportunities for inclusion and independence for children and adults with disabilities through assistive technology, information and training and access to specialists.
Since 1995, Infinitec has helped children with disabilities succeed in mainstream classrooms in school districts across Illinois, Kansas and California. With the help of a $367,000 grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2011, services were extended to more than 25,000 students in Georgia and Minnesota. The program now reaches more than 1,375,308 students in 3,158 schools.
Additionally, UCP Seguin is applying $150,000 of the grant to purchase more assistive technology equipment and software such as speech simulators and devices that read texts aloud. Schools in the Illinois Infinitec coalitions can access these tools through the Infinitec Assistive Technology Loan Library based in Tinley Park, IL.
In addition to the Loan Library, Infinitec offers:
Video presentations, lesson plans, information on training opportunities, and educational games and activities, available through MyInfinitec.org
Video and CD-based training programs for educators, through Infinitec Media Services
National speakers appearing in local venues, with tickets less than $15
Infinitec Group Buy savings on educational software and assistive technologies
Customized, collaborative training for educators
Technical support and guidance
Additionally, Infinitec's Assistive Technology Centers provide convenient services and support in Chicago's south, west and north suburbs. -
The Assistive Technology Exchange Network — ATEN — refurbishes and recycles donated computers and distributes them to individuals with disabilities.
For these children, technology is more than a tool for learning. It can open the gateway to success in school, interaction with friends, employment opportunities and independent living.
Each year, ATEN provides Illinois students in special education programs with more than 4,000 computers and related equipment donated by individuals and corporations. ATEN’s recycling diverts more than 300 tons of hazardous e-waste from Illinois landfills annually.
ATEN receives funding from the Illinois State Board of Education. It is affiliated with the National Cristina Foundation, a national nonprofit agency that distributes donated computer equipment to people in need.
ATEN is funded in part by the CME Group Community Foundation.
How Can You Help
ATEN welcomes volunteer help in refurbishing equipment as well as donations of:
PC computers
Printers
Monitors
Disk drives
Cell phones
Ink jet cartridges
CD-ROM drives
Software (original discs)
Server equipment
Communication devices
Peripherals and accessoriesYour electronic equipment donations will be refurbished and/or processed in an environmentally friendly manner.
Donation Locations
Permanent collection sites year round:
UCP Seguin - Tinley Park
Arthur and Mary Rubloff Building
7550 W. 183rd Street
Tinley Park, IL 60477
9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through FridayUCP Seguin – Cicero
Seguin Auto Center
5601 W. Ogden Avenue
Cicero, IL
10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday, Thursday & SaturdayUCP Seguin - Oak Park
Julius and Betty Levinson Building
332 W. Harrison Avenue
Oak Park IL 60304
9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through FridayUCP Seguin - Chicago
547 W. Jackson Blvd
Suite 225
Chicago IL 60661
9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday & WednesdaySeasonal Locations:
McHenry Township Road District
3703 North Richmond Road
Johnsburg, IL 60051
8:00 am to 12:00 pm
www.mchenrytownship.comNorthfield Township Road District
1928 Lehigh Avenue
Glenview, IL
8:30 am to 2:00 pm
www.northfieldtownship.com -
Through UCP Seguin’s Durable Medical Exchange, people with temporary or permanent disabilities can secure durable medical equipment free of charge. DME helps people find hospital beds, motorized and manual wheelchairs, pediatric therapy equipment, canes and walkers. Nearly 3,204 pieces of durable medical equipment have been given to people who otherwise could not afford them.
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No one should ever be just a few steps away from independence.
Ramp Up provides ramps and interior modifications that make homes accessible to people with disabilities. By overcoming obstacles as simple — and insurmountable — as a few steps, Ramp Up paves the way to greater freedom for people with limited mobility.
Adding a ramp or stair lift, or making a kitchen and bath accessible, can cost thousands of dollars. Between the high cost of care and sometimes limited employment opportunities, many who need home modifications cannot afford them. Right now, 400 people are on the waiting list for Ramp Up assistance. Without help, they could be marginalized or even institutionalized. But with Ramp Up, they can participate in their community, share a richer home life and follow where their dreams lead them.
Helping children reach independence.
Most parents chart their children’s growth with pride. But to parents of children with limited mobility, growth means something different. Like all parents, they love to see their children grow and mature, but each added inch makes transportation more challenging. Toddlers once easily held grow into youngsters too large to carry.
That’s where Ramp Up comes in.
Ramp Up provides ramps and interior modifications that make homes accessible to everyone who lives there. Without help, many children with disabilities could be marginalized or even institutionalized. But with Ramp Up these children are on the move, growing toward a future as independent adults.
You Can Help
To serve those who need us most, Ramp Up relies on major funding from the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) and Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). We appreciate their support, but such limited funds enable Ramp Up to help only a small percentage of the people who come to us for assistance.
You can help us close the gap. Support Ramp Up through your donations. Ramp Up also welcomes contributions of building materials, labor and design services.
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UCP Seguin provides state-of-the-art multimedia education programs for professionals, families, and children and adults with disabilities. Programs are available online and in manuals, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes through UCP’s lending library, the largest of its kind in the United States. The library makes assistive technology devices available as well.
UCP Seguin offers on-site programs at our Chicago-area facilities, including Cicero, Tinley Park, Oak Park, Highland Park and downtown. We present seminars and also sponsor training and education programs in partnership with other human service agencies and schools across Illinois.