Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)

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Funding Assistive Technology through the Arizona DES, Rehabilitation Services Administration Independent Living Rehabilitation Services (ILRS)

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is a part of the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s (DES) Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS). The RSA administers both the Independent Living Rehabilitation Services (ILRS) and the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program.

The ILRS is a joint State-Federal grant program whose purpose is to promote a philosophy of independent living. Services include information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, self-advocacy, and other services that assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their own independent living goals.

Eligibility

A person with a significant disability is eligible for ILRS services. The person must have a severe physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory impairment. This impairment must be severe enough to limit the person’s ability to function independently in their family or community. The individual must also be able to benefit from ILRS services in terms of improving their ability to function independently in family and community settings.

Coverage

The ILRS provides independent living counseling and information and referral services to eligible individuals. Other individually-planned services may be provided as appropriate, including:

  • independent living skills training
  • peer counseling
  • attendant care
  • alternative communication training
  • advocacy services
  • assistive technology support, and
  • other services for individuals needing assistance to achieve their unique independent living goals.

These services are set out in an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP) that is jointly developed by the individual and an Independent Living (IL) Counselor. This agreement outlines specific independent living goals, the individual’s service plan, and the responsibilities of both the agency and the individual to ensure a successful rehabilitation.

Contacts

Any DES Rehabilitation Services Administration Office, or the

  • Arizona Department of Economic Security Rehabilitation Services Administration
    • ATTN: Joyce Steinberg, Assistant Manager, ILRS
      1789 W. Jefferson Street (930-A)
      Phoenix, Arizona 85007
      Voice:      (602) 542-3794
      TTY:        (602) 542-6049
      Toll-Free: (800) 563-1221  (outside of Maricopa County)
      Fax:        (602) 542-3778