Springfield, IL (WAND) – The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is a nonprofit connecting people with disabilities to resources. One of the newest items in its repertoire is Meta AI glasses.

“The glasses have a very, very small learning curve,” said IATP Director of Training Jessica Schuyler-Weir. “So what we want to do now is figure out how these glasses are going to benefit adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to work in the community.”

Schuyler-Weir explained that new Illinois laws are closing sheltered workshops that provide sub-minimum wage. While these have been a common place of employment for those with developmental or intellectual disabilities, IATP is helping them transition to other job opportunities.

One way Schuyler-Weir has seen the technology help people is through the glasses’ ability to read instructions or follow along to written processes. This can be a common struggle for people entering new jobs.

“You can print out a procedure and be able to reference that until you [get] the steps down,” Schuyler-Weir said. “You could say ‘Meta, what’s the last step?’ and the glasses can read or repeat whatever you need.”

IATP applied for and received a Meta AI Glasses Impact Grant, becoming one of 30 organizations nationwide selected for funding. Through the grant, users can provide feedback directly to Meta.

“We are seeing folks in the accessibility community who really find a lot of benefits from the glasses … who are using the glasses to help them navigate their lives more independently and confidently,” said Meta Public Policy Manager of Wearables Darren Touch. “These are the folks that know their community and know what features and problems that their community faces. So that feedback is essential as we build this technology.”

Schuyler-Weir said they are hoping to provide the glasses to approximately 25 people. The frames cost close to $400, but IATP may have to help with prescription lenses and smart devices to attach to the glasses.