Project ATLiS Scholarship

This scholarship is no longer accepting applications.

Assistive Technology Leaders in Special Education (ATLiS) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary project designed to prepare school and district leaders with expertise in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assistive technology programs for students with multiple disabilities.

ATLiS scholarships include costs for tuition, an annual book stipend, and opportunities to attend and present at local conferences. The one-year program consists of three primary components:

  1. An intensive, interdisciplinary sequences of courses in special education and assistive technology to be completed across four semesters spanning approximately one calendar year. The coursework will provide scholars with the eligibility to earn Learning Behavior Specialist II (LBS2) endorsements in Assistive Technology and Multiple Disabilities and a develop scholar understanding of evidence-based assistive technology practices.
  2. Participation in three Assistive Technology Seminars designed to deepen scholar knowledge of effective, data-based assistive technology practices and policies and developing scholar capacity to lead school and district change in these areas. Seminars will draw on the expertise of core stakeholder groups and project collaborators.
  3. Participation in a post-graduation Community of Practice in which scholars will demonstrate school and district leadership skills by building off projects and knowledge acquired through the Assistive Technology Seminars and engaging in networking opportunities with other school leaders interested in the use of assistive technology.

The deadline to apply is October 1 each year. Each ATLiS scholar cohort begins in the Spring semester and completes the program after the following Spring term. In addition to four full-time semesters and the Assistive Technology Seminars, scholars are required to complete a service obligation in the field of special education (2 years for each year of support) at schools and districts within the United States.

Eligibility

  • Current and Full Grade Span LBS1 (i.e., eligible to teach K-12)
  • 2 years teaching experience
  • 1-year commitment
  • Service obligation in special education

Applicants must have at least 2 years of teaching experience by December 31 of the same year they apply. They must also have a current full LBS1 teaching endorsement to be able to teach students across all grade levels. Unfortunately, individuals with an LBS1 approval or limited LBS1 endorsement (e.g., only able to teach students with disabilities in certain grade spans) are not eligible for the scholarship.

Program Requirements

The program requires 36 credits and is completed in one full year starting in the summer semester.

  • Completion of required coursework.
  • Participation in Assistive Technology Seminars
  • Participation in Community of Practice (post-graduation)

Program Benefits

  • Fully paid tuition across all four semesters
  • Annual book stipend
  • Stipends for travel to state conferences
  • Post-graduation participation in community of practice

Project Directors

Daniel Maggin, PhD
Associate Professor
Special Education
dmaggin@uic.edu

Patricia Politano, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Disability and Human Development
politano@uic.edu