Do you have an intellectual or developmental disability and live in Illinois? The right device or software could make everyday tasks easier, but the cost may be difficult to manage.
The Arc of Illinois has an Assistive Technology Fund that helps eligible residents pay for equipment that supports independence, education, employment, and community living.
The fund offers up to $500 per person or family. It is not limited to seniors or people with autism.
Here is what the fund covers, who may qualify, and how to apply. Because current funding availability has not been confirmed, it is important to check with The Arc of Illinois before getting started.
What Does the Fund Provide?
The Arc of Illinois Assistive Technology Fund helps pay for assistive technology devices and software for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The fund can cover the full cost or part of the cost of an approved item, up to $500 per person or family.
The goal is to help people with:
- Education
- Employment
- Community living
- Independence
Assistive technology can include devices or software that make certain tasks easier or help someone communicate, learn, work, or participate in daily activities.
For example, some people use tablets or specialized software to support communication or organization. However, The Arc of Illinois does not publish a list of specific devices currently approved for funding.
That means you should confirm whether the equipment you need qualifies before choosing or purchasing anything.
Who Qualifies?
According to The Arc of Illinois, applicants must meet these requirements:
- Have an intellectual or developmental disability, or be a family member applying on behalf of someone who does.
- Live in Illinois.
- Have an evaluation or assessment from a qualified provider showing the need for the requested assistive technology.
- Need equipment that is not already covered or subsidized by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance.
The program does not publish a specific age limit or income limit.
That means older adults are not excluded simply because of their age. Autistic adults may also qualify if they meet the program’s disability and other eligibility requirements.
However, the application asks applicants to confirm that they cannot afford the requested equipment without assistance.
If you live alone and do not have a family member helping you, you can apply on your own.
What Is the Evaluation Requirement?
The Arc of Illinois requires an evaluation or assessment showing why you need the assistive technology and what type of equipment is recommended.
The evaluation must come from a qualified provider.
The organization’s website includes assistive technology evaluation forms that can be completed online or printed.
However, the page does not clearly explain whether those forms can replace an evaluation you already received from a professional or whether a qualified provider must complete them.
If you do not have an evaluation, contact The Arc of Illinois before paying for one. Ask what documentation it accepts and whether the fund is currently accepting applications.
This can help you avoid spending time or money on paperwork that may not meet the program’s requirements.
How Do You Apply?
The Arc of Illinois provides an online application and printable application forms.
Start by visiting the official Assistive Technology Fund page.
Here are the basic steps:
- Confirm availability. Ask whether the fund is currently accepting applications and has funding available.
- Choose your application method. You can apply online or print an application and mail it to The Arc of Illinois.
- Gather your evaluation. Include a copy of the evaluation or assessment showing why you need the equipment.
- Complete the application. Provide the requested information about the applicant and the assistive technology needed.
- Submit your paperwork. Follow the instructions provided by The Arc of Illinois.
The organization also provides a printable Spanish-language application, which may be helpful for applicants or family members who prefer completing paperwork in Spanish.
You can access the application options through the official program page.
The website does not publish a specific approval timeline, so ask about processing times if you need equipment by a certain date.
How Do You Receive the Equipment?
If your application is approved, The Arc of Illinois says the assistive technology device is shipped directly to the applicant.
The fund may pay the full cost of an approved item or contribute up to $500 toward a more expensive purchase.
You should not assume that the program will reimburse equipment you already bought. Ask about the purchasing process before spending your own money.
Approval and the amount of assistance depend on the program’s requirements and available funding.
What Are the Limits?
There are several important restrictions to understand before applying.
First, the maximum assistance is $500 per person or family. If the equipment costs more, the fund may cover only part of the expense.
Second, the program does not fund purchases already covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance.
Third, the application indicates that recipients are responsible for obtaining any additional technical assistance, data plans, or other services needed to use the equipment.
For example, if an approved device requires an internet connection, you should not assume that the fund will also pay for monthly internet service.
Finally, current funding availability is not confirmed. Although the program page and application remain available, The Arc of Illinois does not publish how much money is currently available or how long applications take to process.
Before investing time or money in an evaluation, contact the organization to confirm that the fund is active and accepting requests.
Relief Recap
Assistive technology can make a meaningful difference for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, but equipment and software can be expensive.
The Arc of Illinois Assistive Technology Fund may provide up to $500 per person or family toward eligible devices or software that support education, employment, community living, and independence.
Applicants must live in Illinois, meet the disability requirements, and provide an evaluation showing why the equipment is needed. The purchase must not already be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance.
There is no published age limit or specific income cutoff, but applicants must confirm that they cannot afford the equipment without assistance.
Start with the Arc of Illinois Assistive Technology Fund page and confirm that applications and funding are currently available before proceeding.
If you need other types of equipment, our guide to free used medical equipment explains additional places to look for help. You can also explore our guide on how to get a free tablet for other possible options.
