Illinois’ Premier Resource for Assistive Technology Information and Services.
Illinois’ Premier Resource for Assistive Technology Information and Services.
Makers Making a Difference – A Note from a Customer
I am writing to express my gratitude for your Makers Program… for a life-changing, custom-made device.
I am a sixty-some-year-old woman who invested in several battery-operated pieces of lawn equipment… In my effort to reduce pollution, I ended up with several batteries that have to be removed from the equipment, placed on chargers, then removed from the chargers and returned to the equipment…
The particularly unsolvable problem for me was getting those large batteries off the chargers. My hand isn’t large enough to grasp the full width of a battery with the strength to pull it free from the charging dock, and I have both osteoarthritis and lupus arthritis in my hands. The task wasn’t difficult – it was impossible.
Last summer, I came to IATP with one battery and one charger, and [an IATP staff member] made a simple, durable plastic device that slides under the battery and, with minimal pressure, releases it from the charging dock without contacting the pins. Before that, aware of the danger, the only way I could complete this task was to carefully pry the battery loose with a large flathead screwdriver – turning off the power strip first and being careful never to touch the metal pins. Each of these six batteries costs $250 to replace, and I was slowly damaging their plastic casings by prying them loose this way.
I use the device [the IATP staff member] made almost daily through spring, summer, and fall. Every time I do, I quietly thank IATP and [that staff member] for making it possible for me to use the equipment I purchased.
I wish the whole world knew about the Makers Program, and about this device specifically… That small piece of custom-made plastic is the only thing standing between me and the independence to care for my two-acre property. I’ve always said that when I can no longer take care of this property, I’ll move. So, truly, that piece of plastic is the only thing keeping me in my home.
I don’t have the words to express my gratitude. Thank you, and your staff, for this lift-up to continued independence.
Sincerely,
Sharon M
Highlights
Makers Making a Difference – A Note from a Customer
I am writing to express my gratitude for your Makers Program… for a life-changing, custom-made device.
I am a sixty-some-year-old woman who invested in several battery-operated pieces of lawn equipment… In my effort to reduce pollution, I ended up with several batteries that have to be removed from the equipment, placed on chargers, then removed from the chargers and returned to the equipment…
The particularly unsolvable problem for me was getting those large batteries off the chargers. My hand isn’t large enough to grasp the full width of a battery with the strength to pull it free from the charging dock, and I have both osteoarthritis and lupus arthritis in my hands. The task wasn’t difficult – it was impossible.
Last summer, I came to IATP with one battery and one charger, and [an IATP staff member] made a simple, durable plastic device that slides under the battery and, with minimal pressure, releases it from the charging dock without contacting the pins. Before that, aware of the danger, the only way I could complete this task was to carefully pry the battery loose with a large flathead screwdriver – turning off the power strip first and being careful never to touch the metal pins. Each of these six batteries costs $250 to replace, and I was slowly damaging their plastic casings by prying them loose this way.
I use the device [the IATP staff member] made almost daily through spring, summer, and fall. Every time I do, I quietly thank IATP and [that staff member] for making it possible for me to use the equipment I purchased.
I wish the whole world knew about the Makers Program, and about this device specifically… That small piece of custom-made plastic is the only thing standing between me and the independence to care for my two-acre property. I’ve always said that when I can no longer take care of this property, I’ll move. So, truly, that piece of plastic is the only thing keeping me in my home.
I don’t have the words to express my gratitude. Thank you, and your staff, for this lift-up to continued independence.
Sincerely,
Sharon M
Updates & Announcements
Proclamation Celebrating October as Assistive Technology Month
WHEREAS, Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and health conditions may need assistive technology devices and services to live independently and productively, as well as to participate fully in the activities of their communities; and,
WHEREAS, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized for specific needs, an assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities; and,
WHEREAS, an assistive technology service is any service that directly assists an individual in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device; and,
WHEREAS, assistive technology devices and services are not luxury items – they are necessities for people of all ages with disabilities and other health conditions who utilize these devices and services to control and improve their own lives and futures; and,
WHEREAS, Illinois is a leader in the development and implementation of assistive technology programs for its residents with disabilities;
THEREFORE, I, JB Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as Assistive Technology Month in Illinois and encourage all residents to become aware of the many ways in which assistive technologies contribute to the health, independence, and happiness of our friends, neighbors, family members, and co-workers with disabilities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Illinois to be affixed.
Done at the Capitol in the City of Springfield, this THIRTIETH day of JULY, in the Year of Our Lord, two thousand and TWENTY-SIX, and of the State of Illinois, two hundred and SEVENTH.
Governor JB Pritzker
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias