AT and AEM Systems Leadership Cohort

Align - Build Capacity - Improve Outcomes

The AT and AEM Systems Leadership Cohort is designed for school administrators who want to move beyond individual problem-solving and build sustainable district systems that support access, participation, and achievement for students with disabilities. Through a year-long cohort experience, administrators will examine how assistive technology, accessible educational materials, digital accessibility, procurement, professional learning, and IEP team practices work together as part of an inclusive educational system.

Participants will identify strengths and gaps in current district practices, develop practical procedures and tools, and create a plan for building local capacity across buildings and teams. The cohort will emphasize leadership actions that help staff make consistent, high-quality decisions about AT and AEM while ensuring students receive the supports and materials they need in a timely and effective manner.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

• Special Education Administrators
• Principals
• Assistant Principals
• Program Administrators
• ESU Administrators
• Instructional/Program Coaches

What will Leadership Cohort Members Be Expected to Do?

Participants in the AT and AEM Systems Leadership Cohort should be prepared to actively examine and strengthen district practices related to assistive technology, accessible educational materials, digital accessibility, procurement, professional learning, and IEP team decision-making.

• Participants will be expected to:
  • Attend monthly cohort meetings from September through May
  • Review current district procedures, tools, data, and practices
  • Complete brief application activities between sessions
  • Work to develop or revise district-level procedures, guidance, and implementation tools
  • Pilot selected strategies with administrators, staff, or IEP teams as appropriate
  • Share progress, questions, and lessons learned with cohort members
  • Create a practical district action plan for building local AT and AEM capacity

Estimated time commitment includes monthly cohort meetings, plus approximately 1–2 hours between sessions for reflection, district application activities, and team planning.

What Benefits and Resources Will Cohort Members Receive?

• Books and resources related to quality assistive technology services.  
• Access to high quality national experts and resources.
• Personalized coaching from ATP Education Program Staff.
• Networking and support through a statewide Community of Practice during the Cohort Activities.
• Exclusive access to an AT and AEM Systems Leadership Cohort Alumni network upon completion of the experience.
• Recognition as an AT and AEM Systems Leadership CohortCompleter and Alumnus through digital badging, letters to supervisors, press releases, social media, and certificates

When will the Cohort Activities Occur?

• Cohort Application Deadline - July 30, 2026.  Notice of acceptance will occur by August 12, 2026.
• Cohort Activities – August 2026 – May 2027

What is the cost of participating in the Cohort?

The cost for participating in the Cohort is $250.00 and will be billed to the school, district, ESU, or organization with which the Cohort Member is associated.  

How Do I apply for the 2026-2027 Cohort?

Applications for the 2026-2027 AT and AEM Systems Leadership Cohort are currently open and will remain open until July 30, 2026.