Be thAT teacher: Assistive Technologies in Mainstream Classrooms
Access to Assistive Technologies can be transformational for children and young people who are neurodivergent, or who have a disability. However, they don’t need to be restricted to targeted interventions. When available as standard in classrooms, many pupils find them beneficial.
SSAT have partnered with Microlink to offer the SSAT network a proven, coached programme of Assistive Technology training and leadership development. The programme offers an opportunity to enhance your expertise and develop practice in your school, utilising technology which is free, or built into widely used programmes such as Word.
Start date
11 March 2025
Format
Three part online programme
Cost
Free for SSAT members
Not yet an SSAT member? Find out more.
Need more information?
Get in touch or call 020 7802 2300
Be thAT teacher: Assistive Technologies in Mainstream Classrooms
The programme
Participating schools will nominate an AT Champion who will attend a series of three online workshops.
Group size will be deliberately kept small, with regular breakout sessions to empower discussion, reflection and solution-focused thinking.
The sessions combine the best elements from the DfE-funded AT Test and Learn Programme with the development of change management skills and approaches that nominated AT Champions can put to use immediately to support change management.
The overall aims and objectives of Be ThAT Teacher are to help SENCOs, middle leaders, senior leaders and similar postholders to:
- Enhance awareness and understanding of Assistive Technology (AT):Equip school staff with comprehensive knowledge of AT, its benefits, and applications in mainstream classrooms, tailored to different levels of AT awareness and school contexts.
- Identify and implement quick wins with AT: Discover and utilize free or built-in Assistive Technology tools, learning how to integrate them effectively into mainstream classroom settings to support diverse learner needs.
- Engage in hands-on practice with AT: Encourage school staff to experiment with new Assistive Technology features or apps with students and colleagues, fostering a culture of innovation and practical application.
- Reflect on progress and share successes: Conduct progress checks to evaluate the impact of AT training, share successes, reflect on challenges, and provide feedback on initial experiences with AT implementation.
- Complete needs analysis and benchmarking: Guide school staff through the Needs Analysis Framework, supporting how to complete the benchmarking process, log their scores, and use this data to inform future AT strategies and interventions.
On the successful completion of the programme, and after submitting benchmark scores through a simple data collection process online, participating schools will receive an AT Explorer, Innovator or Transformer logo in acknowledgement of participation and achievement.
Participating staff will also receive personalised acknowledgement for AT change leadership with a CPD Accreditation Service Certificate.
Join us for a free briefing on 25 February, 16:00 – 16:30 to find out all about the programme, what you will gain from it and how to get involved.
Course structure
Session 1: Be ThAT Teacher – An Introduction to the Programme – Setting the Scene
Tuesday 11 March, 15:45 – 17:15
- Course overview: Making a case for Assistive Technologies
- Hidden disability… and broadening the social model of disability to include children and young people disabled by circumstance
- Quick wins, first steps, big strides: what is “built in” and how it can be used in mainstream classrooms?
- The Learning Journey: How can we help you?
Session 2: Where are we now? Where do we want to be?
Tuesday 1 April, 15:45 – 17:15
- Progress check – Where are you now? Celebrating successes and reflecting on challenges
- The Needs Analysis Framework – Where do you want to be? A method to benchmark, set goals and capture change. An introduction to the Microlink resource bank.
- Explorer – Innovator – Transformer: the terms as applied to the use and application of AT
- Advice guidance and sSupport. What’s New in AT? Workshops, regular support sessions, ad hoc support from coaching team
Session 3: Celebrating progress: Next steps
Tuesday 13 May, 15:45 – 17:15
- Impact – Ideas – Solutions: Celebrating a journey travelled, sharing successes, challenges, innovations and opportunities
- Looking ahead: Future engagement with the community of practice and access to resources
Be thAT teacher Brochure
Read more about assistive technologies and how they have the power and potential to change education and life outcomes for millions of people globally.
Any questions?
Contact us or call 020 7802 2300.
Get in touch
