In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of digital literacy, unpacking the difference between misinformation (false information shared without harmful intent) and disinformation (deliberately deceptive content). We discuss practical strategies educators and learners can use to navigate today’s overwhelming information landscape. Whether you're teaching students or sharpening your own skills, this episode offers timely insights to help you filter fact from fiction in an age of digital ov...
Jun 10, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 9
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Carol Allen, a renowned UK educator and the keynote speaker for the UDL-Con International Conference. Carol shares powerful stories from her decades of experience supporting all learners—especially students with disabilities. With warmth, humor, and deep insight, she reflects on what it truly means to design learning that includes everyone. Transcript Resources: UDL Guidelines UDL-Con International 2025...
May 27, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this episode, we sit down with the team from LEGO® Education to explore the intersection of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, and hands-on, playful learning. Hear the inspiring journey that led them to embrace UDL principles in their work—and how those principles shaped the development of LEGO Education Science, their newest K–8 product. Discover how this innovative resource invites every learner into science through curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. From classroom e...
May 13, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode, the hosts dive into the heart of what makes technology truly inclusive. They explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can shape tech tools that work for all learners, not just some. Through conversations about human-centered design, they discuss when technology becomes assistive—and why that label matters. Tune in for a thoughtful look at designing tech that doesn’t just include but empowers. Transcript Resources: CAST Website Procurement contract language CITES UDL Guide...
Apr 29, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 6
With guest podcast host, Allison Posey, this episode features Andratesha Fritzgerald, author of Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning. In honor of Black History Month, Andratesha shares how storytelling shapes education, inspires action, and creates meaningful learning experiences for all students. Together, they’ll explore the educators, experiences, and lessons that have fueled their passion for teaching and learning, and how UDL serves as a tool for creating more dynamic, responsive, a...
Apr 15, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 5
This conversation with Dr. Hillary Goldthwait-Fowles explores the intersection of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and mental health, discussing how inclusive educational practices can support student well-being. The conversation highlights how UDL supports can help reduce stress, anxiety, and barriers to learning. Transcript Resources: A Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well Wakelet: AT Supports for Mental Health Hooray for Diffendoofer Day...
Apr 01, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 4
We chatted with Makenzie, a freshman high school student and a passionate advocate for students with dyslexia. She shares her journey of raising awareness through speaking to students and educators across the midwest, and presenting at national conferences. Makenzie discusses her experiences in the classroom, the importance of supporting neurodiverse learners, and her vision for a future where all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Transcript Resources: CAST Website Acce...
Mar 18, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Discover how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) transforms teaching in this episode of Learning Through UDL Stories, hosted by Allison Posey. Special guest Jennifer L. Pusateri, author of Transform Your Teaching with Universal Design for Learning: Six Steps to Jumpstart Your Practice, shares six practical steps to help educators integrate UDL into their classrooms. Whether you’re new to UDL or looking to refine your approach, Jennifer offers actionable insights that educators can apply immediat...
Mar 04, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Kick off the new year with hosts Kelli Suding, Luis Pérez, and Bryan Dean as they dive into the latest in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, and the evolving role of assistive (artificial) intelligence. In this episode, they discuss emerging trends, real-world applications, and strategies for creating more inclusive learning experiences. Don't miss this insightful conversation on breaking down barriers! Transcript Resources: Accessibility at CAST CAST Website UDL-Con Internatio...
Feb 18, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Welcome to Season 4 of The Learning Experience powered by CAST! Join hosts Kelli Suding, Luis Pérez, and Bryan Dean as they bring you inspiring conversations and real-world examples of breaking down barriers to learning. Each episode explores the latest innovations in accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), helping to create more equitable learning experiences for all. Hit subscribe and join us on this journey! S04E00_Transcript.docx Resources: CAST website at cast.org...
Feb 14, 2025•1 min
In April 2024, the United States Department of Justice issued a final rule requiring state and local governmental entities — including early childhood, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions — to ensure web or mobile app-based digital learning resources are appropriate for and usable by students with disabilities. Join CAST’s AEM Center to break down the updates and requirements and what that means for schools. Note: This is a podcast version of an AEMing for Access session on the...
Jul 16, 2024•31 min
We are excited to bring you this episode to wrap up Season 3 of the Accessible Learning Experience with a discussion of the updated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines. Universal Design for Learning is the framework CAST has pioneered over the last 40 years to assist educators in optimizing teaching and learning so that it works for everyone, and accessibility is a foundational component of UDL. We are lucky to have with us on this episode Jenna Gravel and Nicole Tucker Smith, who hav...
Jun 18, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 10
The correctional setting is one that is often overlooked when it comes to accessibility and inclusive learning opportunities, but it is a setting where these are most needed. On this episode, we are excited to welcome CAST Career and Technical Education and UDL trainer Donald Walker to the podcast. Donald is joined by Jennifer Montag, Director of Disability Services at Marion Technical College, which offers a number of programs that take place in a correctional setting. As Jennifer explains, pro...
May 07, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 9
We are so excited to bring you this interview with Jordyn Zimmerman, a passionate educator and disability advocate who is currently the Head of Product Strategy at the Nora Project. Jordyn was diagnosed as autistic at a young age, but she did not receive access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) until the age of 18. Her own lived experience fuels her beliefs about leveraging tools and supports to drive change around inclusion for all learners. Among her many accomplishments, Jor...
Apr 09, 2024•47 min
A key goal for this podcast is to share the lived experience of learners who use and benefit from providing accessible educational materials and technologies. In that spirit, this month we are lucky to have Connor Joyce on the podcast. Connor is a student at Gettysburg College double majoring in Emerging Threats in National Security and Political Science and minoring in History. In 2018 he was awarded the first copy of Pennsylvania House Resolution Bill No. 1044, which designated October as dysl...
Mar 12, 2024•23 min
The federally-funded Technical Assistance centers based at CAST are always working on new resources to help the field implement best practices in the provision and effective use of high-quality accessible materials and technologies. This month, we are pleased to share two new resources from the AEM Center. Michelle Soriano shares information about a new Family’s Guide to Accessible Educational Materials designed to help parents and caregivers work with their child’s teachers and education team t...
Feb 13, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Diana Garcia-Mejia is a Pre-K teacher of students with visual impairments who is passionate about accessibility and inclusion for all students. On this episode, Diana shares many practical tips and ideas for ensuring young learners with visual impairments get off to a strong start in their educational journey. That includes learning about braille and other supports, including assistive technology, as early as possible. The conversation with AEM Center Technical Assistance Specialist Luis Perez t...
Jan 09, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 5
For our final episode of 2023, we are excited to welcome Loui Lord Nelson to the podcast. Loui, who herself is a master podcaster and the creator of the popular UDL in 15 minutes podcast, is an international UDL educator, consultant, speaker, and author. She has worked with schools, districts, universities, and ministries of education around the world to support UDL implementation and research, and you will hear about some of those experiences in this episode. Loui will share her UDL journey whi...
Dec 12, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 4
On this episode, we welcome CITES Framework Development District partners Janna Greathouse and Samantha Reid with Jenks Public Schools in Oklahoma, and Bijul Dalal with Grossmont Union High School District in California. Janna and Bijul serve as their districts’ assistive technology leads, while Samantha Reid serves her district as the ed-tech lead. CAST Senior Technical Assistance Specialist and CITES Project Director Maggie Pickett talks with Janna, Samantha, and Bijul to pull back the curtain...
Nov 14, 2023•27 min
The AEM Center has enjoyed an exciting partnership with Step Up AT and the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) . On this episode, CAST Technical Assistance Specialist Maggie Pickett is joined by Michelle Schladant and Austin Garilli from Step Up AT and Jani Kazlowski from ECTA to discuss how their respective centers are working to foster more inclusive learning in early childhood settings. All three centers are funded by the Office of Special Education Programs to improve outcomes...
Oct 10, 2023•22 min
We are excited to launch season 3 of the podcast with a conversation between AEM Center Technical Assistance Specialist Kelli Suding, Rebecca Sheffield from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and Ellery Robinson from the Office of Educational Technology (OET). Rebecca is an Education Program Specialist at OSEP and the AEM Center’s Project Officer, and Ellery has been an Education Pioneers Impact Fellow at OET. Rebecca and Ellery discuss a number of exciting initiatives related to d...
Sep 11, 2023•27 min
This Season 2 bonus episode originated from the AEM Center being introduced to leaders at the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) by both the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Office of Educational Technology (OET) at the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Throughout May, OSEP and OET partnered on a month-long public campaign to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). On GAAD, May 18th, the two Offices hosted a joint webinar featuring the evolution of S...
Jul 11, 2023•26 min
On this episode, we welcome Zebadiah Hall to the podcast. Zebadiah is the first Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Wyoming, and he has a long career in the field of disability services in higher education. He was previously the Director of Student Disability Services at Cornell University, where he was a champion for integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into the work of the disability services office. Our conversation focuses on how we c...
Jun 13, 2023•33 min
On this episode, CAST Disability and Digital Inclusion Lead Luis Perez chats with Mia Murphy and Chris Smith from the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS). Mia and Chris have been great partners in supporting the work of the technical assistance centers at CAST, especially the Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES). In 2022, CITES launched its Virtual Learning Project to learn about promising practices related to educating and supporting students with disabilities i...
May 09, 2023•32 min
If you are interested in learning more about efforts to coordinate work around Universal Design for Learning across states and make it more systemic and sustainable, this episode is for you. CAST Technical Assistance Specialist Michelle Soriano has a great conversation with Zach Smith, who as a Senior Project Director at West Ed, leads a UDL Deep Drive group as part of his work at the National Center on Systemic Improvement. NCSI is federally funded through the Office of Special Education Progra...
May 03, 2023•21 min
On this episode, CAST Technical Assistance Specialist Maggie Pickett interviews the authors of Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year. The authors’ contagious passion for inclusive learning will be quickly evident as they each start with a brief description of what drives their work as advocates for inclusive technology and accessibility. This is followed by a great conversation on the importance of an inclusive mindset, how to build an inclusive strategies toolkit, ...
Mar 14, 2023•30 min
Mark Nichols is the Senior Director of Universal Design and Accessible Technologies at Virginia Tech and a longtime friend of the AEM Center and CAST. This episode starts with Mark sharing the personal experience that drives everything he does as an accessibility professional. We then explore the exciting Choose Accessible Learning Materials, or CALM, initiative and how it has helped Mark and his team “franchise” digital accessibility at Virginia Tech. Mark also touches on how the AEM Quality in...
Feb 14, 2023•32 min
On this episode we are excited to welcome CAST CEO Lindsay Jones to the podcast! Lindsay discusses technical assistance with the entire TA team at CAST, which spans two national technical assistance centers: the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials for Learning (AEM Center) and the Center for Inclusive Techology and Education Systems (CITES). After explaining what makes the approach to technical assistance at CAST unique, the team shares favorite resources based on the different r...
Jan 10, 2023•24 min
Procuring or purchasing accessible educational materials and technologies will make it more likely that learners with disabilities who use assistive technology (AT) will have access at the same time as everyone else. In this episode, a team from the Francis Howell school district in Missouri speaks to the collaboration across departments that has helped them improve how accessible educational materials and technologies are purchased and provided throughout their district, with the goal of ensuri...
Dec 13, 2022•28 min
The research is clear. Implementing strong, authentic family engagement practices has a positive impact across the board for educators, families, and learners themselves. In this episode, you’ll learn how the Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) is elevating this critical piece of district technology implementation across the five areas of the CITES framework - Leadership, Infrastructure, Teaching, Learning, and Assessment. Our guest Yokasta Urena then shares her unique p...
Nov 08, 2022•21 min
