The Illinois Board of Higher Education approved creation of the Special Education Assistive Technology (SEAT) Center August 21, 2001. Housed in Fairchild Hall on the Illinois State University campus, the SEAT Center is a community of individuals, including faculty, staff, school administrators and teachers, professionals from public and private organizations, business personnel, family members, and consumers with disabilities.

The operations of the Center are realized through a 'community' of individuals, including SEAT Faculty Associates; Illinois State administrative personnel; Illinois State Foundation staff; faculty across disciplines; administrators, teachers, and related service personnel in public school systems; family members and their children with disabilities; members of public and private organizations; and representatives of the business sector. An Advisory Board, representing a wide array of constituencies, provides guidance and direction for SEAT activities.