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Services
Illinois Care Connections (ICC)
The Illinois Care Connections (ICC) program provides technology and assistive devices to older adults living in the community, with the goal of enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life. To be eligible for ICC support, individuals must be 60 years of age or older and be referred by one of the following types of providers:
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
- AAA-funded provider
- Adult Day Service (ADS)
- Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Care Coordination Unit (CCU)
- Home Care Ombudsman (HCO)
All other Aging Network providers must contact one of the above providers to submit an ICC referral. Older adults may not submit an ICC referral directly.
Referrals are received and processed by the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP), with whom IDoA partners to administer this program. If you have questions about the status of a referral that was submitted on your behalf, please contact IATP (iatp.care@iltech.org or 217-522-7985) with any questions.
ICC Eligibility
Older adults age 60+ are eligible for ICC funding if they have a physical, functional, cognitive or psychological need that prevents them from completing a task in their home or community or causes them to be socially isolated. ICC does not have income or asset requirements but older adults must have a demonstrated need that falls under the ICC definition. ICC funds are intended to ensure that older adults can stay safely in their homes, participate in all activities in their home and in their community, and stay in touch with friends and family. ICC devices are provided for the direct use of the older adult recipient. If you have any questions about whether your need qualifies for ICC, please contact an eligible provider for assistance.
Examples of Available Devices Include:
| Technology | Mobility & Accessibility Aids | Smart Home Technology |
|---|---|---|
| iPad or Android tablet with case | Cane | Video Doorbell |
| Keyboard | Walker | Keyless smart lock |
| Headphones | Wheelchair | Voice-activated home assistant |
| Screen protector | Shower chair | Smart light bulbs |
| Stylus pen for touchscreen devices | Adaptive kitchen tools and utensils | Robotic pets |
| Laptop computer | Non-prescription vision and hearing devices | |
| Wi-Fi router for internet access if needed | ||
| ICC does not provide hearing aids (but does offer other hearing assistance items), prescription items, installed grab bars or shower benches/seats, or electric scooters/wheelchairs. | ||
Program Costs
Devices and usage instructions are provided at no cost to older adult recipients, and IATP is available to provide technical assistance. Devices received through the ICC grant program are provided to recipients as a long-term loan, and the older adult may keep them as long as they need. If the recipient no longer needs the item, please contact IATP at iatp.care@iltech.org or 217-522-7985 to return the item. Returned items that are still in good condition will be sanitized and re-loaned out.
IATP will follow-up with all grant recipients to ensure that they are satisfied with the product(s) they received.
Contact
If you feel you would benefit from the ICC program, please use the service locator tool to find a provider that can submit a referral on your behalf. During the referral process, you will be asked to provide brief demographic information and answer questions about your current technology usage, needs, and any functional limitations you are experiencing. IATP staff will then reach out to schedule a call or home visit to further assess your needs and determine which technology would be appropriate for you.
