Welcome to Step Up AT!
What is Step Up AT? Step Up AT is an evidence-based customizable program that coaches teachers, teacher assistants, teacher support specialists, school districts, and other agencies to adopt evidence-based assistive technology (AT) practices shown to improve early literacy outcomes for young children (ages 3-5) with disabilities.
Whether you’re an educator looking to gain CEUs or professional development, a teacher looking for solutions to help students in your classroom, or an overwhelmed parent or caregiver – we are here with proven coaching techniques to help you find the solutions to help your child reach their potential.
What is Assistive Technology (AT)? AT is any tool or adaptation to help a child do something he or she could not do without. AT can be anything physical (ex: popsicle sticks taped in a book to turn the pages, switches, buttons) or electronic (such as an iPad, AAC app, or e-book) that helps a child engage in learning. You may already be using assistive technology without even realizing it.
Why is it Important? Assistive Technology practices improve early learning outcomes, a critical component of kindergarten readiness (Erickson, 2017; Lohmann et al., 2019; McLeskey et al., 2017). Unfortunately, many teachers in early childhood education (ECE) settings haven’t been trained to implement AT effectively (Parette et al., 2010). Step Up AT bridges that gap for educators, families, and children with disabilities to support early literacy milestones.
Step Up AT is always evolving, and we welcome the collaboration and expertise of research and policy leaders to continually refine and expand AT education.
Learn more about Step Up AT when you listen to our Podcast!
Find Your Resources
We partner with schools that serve children (3-5 years of age) who receive IDEA, Part B related services with a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or may be at risk for developmental delays. These schools are comprised of public and private early childhood centers in culturally and linguistically diverse communities, offering a range of classroom types, inclusion to more specialized programs.
Getting Started in AT
Key Project Outcome – Changes in AT use from Pre-to-Post Intervention
Observed Teacher Use or Teacher-Supported Child Use of AT by Percentage Increase (%).Communication Device
Learning Apps
Adapted Writing
Adapted Books
Communication Board
iPad Communication
Step Up AT's Demographics
22 teachers and 36 teacher assistants (from 5 ECE programs) in years 1-3 who have shared their AT knowledge and skills with:Step Up AT Learning Modules
Gain the knowledge and skills that you need to succeed in bringing early literacy and assistive technology to your students today.
AT in the Classroom in Spanish
Click on the image above to view AT in the Classroom... in Spanish.
Teacher Resources
Click on the image above for Teacher Resources, available in English and Spanish.
AT in the Classroom in English
Click on the image above to learn more about AT in the classroom in English.
Assistive Technology Lending Library
Visit the FAAST AT Lending Library where you can request an AT device trial for your home or classroom.
