Assistive Technology Unit

The Assistive Technology Unit (ATU) celebrated its 17^th anniversary in December 2006. It was in December 1989 that Rehabilitation Engineer Glenn Hedman came to UIC, after serving as Director of Rehabilitation Engineering at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Out to establish a community-based outlet for Assistive Technology services in Illinois, Hedman found the philosophy and structure of the Institute on Disability and Human Development to be a perfect fit. Today the ATU offers a comprehensive array of services, including:

• Technology to maximize independence in activities of daily living;
• Adaptive equipment;
• Alternative & augmentative communication;
• Computer access;
• Environmental control;
• Home modification;
• Mobility;
• Seating; and
• Worksite modification.
• Learn about our ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

TechTeam Training Fellowships

A limited number of training fellowships will be available as of Fall 2006 semester. The UIC Project TechTeam Fellowships are made possible through the U.S. Department of Education - Rehabilitation Services Administration, under its Long Term Training Program in Rehabilitation Technology (H129E030004). Download brochure in PDF, HTML

Referral Process

Referrals come to the ATU from consumers directly, or from staff within the Illinois Department of Human Services. The ATU serves approximately 500 children and adults, with virtually all types of disabilities each year.

Mobile Units

A unique feature of ATU services is the use of 7 Mobile Units to bring evaluation and implementation services to the consumer in the individual’s home, school, work, or recreation setting.
A very different model than traditional center-based programs, the Mobile Unit approach enables the Assistive Technology devices to be tried out in the environment in which they will be used. This structure also enables participation of individuals that the consumer feels are important and minimizes scheduling difficulties for the consumer.

Research Work

The ATU has studied the cost-effectiveness and functional performance of multiple technologies. The ATU is also active in the development of new or modified devices. Through the Rehabilitation Engineering and Fabrication staff, the ATU applies engineering concepts to devices in every area of its work. Some recent designs include a child’s laptray, adult recumbent bicycle, crib for use by a mom with a disability, and a baby stroller for a dad with a disability.

Training and Education

ATU clinicians teach in the Department of Disability and Human Development’s (DHD) Rehabilitation Technology Track. A series of 7 courses are offered over a 2-year period. Graduate students take these courses as they pursue a master’s degree from the DHD. As an alternative for working professionals, an Assistive Technology Certificate Program is offered that consists of a 4 course sequence (www.ahs.uic.edu/dhd/atcp)
The ATU has a Rehabilitation Technology Long-Term Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Education – Rehabilitation Services Administration. Jointly run between the DHD and the Department of Bioengineering, the grant supports 3 graduate students each year as Rehabilitation Technology Fellows.

Director: Glenn Hedman, PE, ATP, RET

Phone: 312.413.1555
TTY: 312.413.1544
Email: ghedman@uic.edu

Learn about our ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Bringing Assistive Technology Into Your Schools & Classrooms (PDF)