For a young child, learning to walk means more than reaching a milestone. It means reaching a friend, a favorite toy or a parent across the room. That idea is at the heart of Ready, Set, Walk, a play-based group program for children up to age 5 with mobility delays offered by Easterseals Superior California in partnership with California State University, Sacramento (Sac State).
Ready, Set, Walk combines supported treadmill walking, play and social interaction to help children build independent movement skills. Rather than treating walking only as a motor milestone, the program views mobility as a pathway to participation—giving children access to people, play, relationships and everyday experiences at home, in child care and in the community.
"Ready, Set, Walk staff aim to be participation cheerleaders. Our goal is to help children build walking skills, confidence and independence so they can participate fully in community programs alongside their peers," said Rennie Saltzman, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy and Vice President of Pediatric Services at Easterseals Superior California, and a lecturer in Sac State's Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Children are referred to the program from many different sources when they show signs of walking readiness. In hour-long group sessions led by pediatric physical therapists, children walk on mini-treadmills with encouragement from their caregivers and support from therapists, then practice moving, exploring and playing alongside peers.
A Partnership Rooted in Sacramento
Ready, Set, Walk builds on STEPS (Supported Treadmill Exercise Program, Sacramento State), developed by Dr. Katrin Mattern-Baxter, PT, DPT, Professor and Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy at Sac State. The collaboration among Easterseals Superior California, Sac State and Alta California Regional Center brings together experienced pediatric clinicians and future physical therapists.
Ready, Set, Walk began as a pilot treadmill program and grew into a volunteer-supported initiative before a 2024 grant from the Kelly Foundation helped expand it into the program it is today.
The program works as a full circle of support. Children build mobility, confidence and connections with peers. Families and caregivers take part in every session, connecting with other parents and observing and participating in all activities with their child. Undergraduate pre-physical therapy students and recent Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates gain real-world pediatric experience, mentored by Easterseals therapists. And the partnership expands access to community-based care for children across the Sacramento region. Each fall, Sac State's third-year physical therapy students also hold a pediatric clinic at Easterseals Superior California.
National Recognition
The program's approach is gaining attention beyond Sacramento. Saltzman will present Ready, Set, Walk at the Practice Fair of the 2026 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday, November 13, sharing its design, evidence-informed approach and partnership model with pediatric physical therapists from across the country. Practice Fair presentations are eligible for the conference's Practice Fair Innovation Award.
How Families Can Get Involved
Ready, Set, Walk runs in seasonal sessions throughout the year, with 2027 sessions to be announced. Families can complete an interest form to be the first to hear when enrollment opens,
Event Details
- What: Ready, Set, Walk presentation, 2026 APTA Pediatrics Practice Fair
- When: Friday, November 13, 2026, 5:30–7:00 p.m. (Central)
- Where: Expo Hall, Midway West — 2026 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri
- Presenter: Rennie Saltzman, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, Vice President of Pediatric Services, Easterseals Superior California
Media Opportunities
- Interviews: Rennie Saltzman is available for interviews before and after the conference.
- Photo and video: Media are invited to photograph or film a Ready, Set, Walk session, where young children walk on mini-treadmills with support from families, therapists, and Sac State students. Please reach out to the media contact below for upcoming session dates.
- Images on request: Photos of the program are available on request.
To arrange an interview or visit, contact Britany Marsico at (916) 205-9364 or britanym@myeasterseals.org.
About Easterseals Superior California: Easterseals Superior California is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities by offering a wide range of services and leadership opportunities designed to maximize independence. Through pediatric therapy, adult day services, and vocational training, the organization works toward a community where people with disabilities have equal opportunity to live, learn, work, and play. Easterseals Superior California is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with Easter Seals, Inc.
