Statewide Independent Living
Council of Illinois

Position Paper on Assistive Technology

It is the position of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois that persons with disabilities want and need increased access to assistive technology to increase their independence in daily living, employment opportunities and quality of life. Assistive technology is any device or service that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities.

To this end, the Statewide Independent Living Council supports the expansion of available assistive technology by:

Creating a downstate Assistive Technology Evaluation and Training Center.
Improving the employability of people with disabilities through reasonable accommodations provided by assistive technology.
Allowing students with disabilities equal access to an appropriate education including the provision of assistive technology.
Reducing the inappropriate purchase of assistive technology by ensuring that assessments are made by qualified individuals.
Increasing independence and allowing people with disabilities to remain in the home of their choice through assistive technology.
Broadening the policies of VR and HSP to allow more people with disabilities to have access to assistive technology.

By taking these necessary steps, Illinois will be decreasing people with disabilities dependence on state or federal support and increasing their employment opportunities and independence.