The Program
Are you looking to jump start or develop your AT/AAC knowledge and skills? Are you a teacher, related service professional, paraeducator, administrator, or college student? Thanks to sponsorship from the CT State Department of Education, NEAT’s new pilot program, “AT Champions” may be just the ticket you need to move forward!
During the 2022-2023 school year, NEAT will lead exclusive coursework for selected individuals to build their assistive technology (AT) and augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) capacities. The program will incorporate opportunities to learn collaboratively alongside middle and high school students, creating a unique culture of peer mentorship.
Content and assignments will be delivered via live and recorded webinars across five months. Participants can choose to join during September 2022-January 2023 OR January 2023 – May 2023 and will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to present learned knowledge together with the NEAT Team during a cumulative AT Summit in Hartford in June 2023.
The Details
- Learn more about the AT Champions Program!
- Apply to become an AT Champion – Deadline July 12, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a time commitment is anticipated?
Most of the course content will be pre-recorded and available for viewing in a self-paced manner over the course of 5 months. Attendance at occasional live sessions will be expected, with some degree of flexibility permitted. Assignments will be incorporated into the coursework, but we promise they will be fun and hands-on to keep the outcomes meaningful for you!
I don’t have access to much AT/AAC. Will that impact my ability to participate?
No! Learning Kits with AT/AAC tools will be provided to participants. Plus, you can borrow items from NEAT’s Lending Library for your own professional growth (also applicable to NEAT Members who are not AT Champions!).
Is there a cost for me or the students?
No. This program has been generously sponsored by the State Department of Education and therefore is provided at no cost to participants. We are grateful for our partnership with them to be able to offer opportunities like this to CT public schools and beyond!
What else can I expect to learn aside from AT/AAC knowledge?
This program will offer a unique networking opportunity, as adult participants will form connections with other CT professionals (including the NEAT team!) and student participants will meet other like-minded peers. Additionally, participants will build their confidence in seeking out resources that will be helpful to them in the future.
I still have more questions. Who can answer them for me?
NEAT’s Director of AT Services would be happy to speak with you! Contact her at Elena.Hurlburt@OakHillCT.org.