Learn with Us

You’re invited to two fantastic learning events for one low price. Choose UDL-IRN Summit (March 30 – April 1, 2022) and CAST UDL Symposium (July 27 – 29, 2022) bundle tickets at checkout for either event and save on both. We can't wait to learn with you!

Collaborating for Learner Success with CITES

A group of educators working together during a professional learning opportunity

Developed by the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) at CAST, the CITES Framework offers district leaders the opportunity to collaborate so that all learners with disabilities have the supports, scaffolds, and tools to be and feel successful. Let's build your momentum. Grab a partner and start exploring the framework and resources. Ignite momentum further and join our community of practice.

Learn more about CITES

Upcoming CAST Professional Learning Events

Three different learning contexts filled with learners and educators

CAST offers a variety of institutes and workshops for educators at all levels—and their organizations—to build understanding and practice of UDL, accessibility, and professional development. These virtual professional learning gatherings are interactive and experiential opportunities to develop action plans for the exploration, integration, and implementation of UDL. So whether you’re new to UDL or need a refresher as you begin to explore or lead UDL work, we invite you (and your team) to learn with us this spring:

Introduction to UDL: Weekly Sessions starting Thursday, April 7 – Thursday, May 5, 2022
UDL Beyond the Basics: Monday, April 11 – Tuesday, April 12, 2022
UDL Implementation Academy: Thursday, April 28 – Friday, April 29, 2022

Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Cards with #BayviewMakes

Two handmade pop-up Valentine’s Day Cards with three dimensional hearts. One card reads Happy Valentine’s Day! The second card reads I would be a Lucky Duck if you would be my Valentine, with images of hearts and ducks.

The multi-generational makerspace community at Bayview Towers hosted a virtual Valentine’s Day pop-up card-making session this past week! CAST and Operation Pathways continue to work with the residents of Bayview Towers, our partners in the affordable housing community in Stamford, CT, to operate a makerspace and cultivate a maker community. We created grab-and-go kits for making pop-up and light-up cards then had a remote making session with residents on Friday, February 11, 2022.

Learn more about #BayviewMakes

A Book for UDL in Higher Ed Arrives March 15

Book cover: UDL University: Designing for Variability across the Postsecondary Curriculum, edited by Randy Laist, Dana Sheehan, and Nicole Brewer

Edited by Randy Laist, Nicole Brewer, and Dana Sheehan of Goodwin University
Foreword by Allison Posey

In this lively collection, 16 educators from a career-focused university share pointed illustrations of how to translate UDL theory into concrete lesson plans and curricular designs.

“I can’t even count the number of times I’ve heard the question, ‘Yeah, but what does this look like in [insert field here]?’ UDL University has proactively addressed these questions by elevating the lived experiences of postsecondary educators in a huge variety of fields and disciplines as they infuse their courses, assignments, and instruction with the principles of the UDL framework.”
— Jennifer L. Pusateri, Ph.D., Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching at the University of Kentucky

Preorder today

New Accessibility Conversation Starters

Screenshot of a learner using a tablet device. On the device, the text “Classic Invert,” “Smart Invert,” “VoiceOver,” and “Cancel” appear. The learner is tapping on “VoiceOver.”

The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM Center) at CAST is excited to announce a brand new series of four short videos designed to start conversations about the importance of accessibility in different settings and across a person’s lifespan. The videos feature interviews with people with disabilities and national accessibility experts. Each video has a list of key takeaways to guide discussion along with links to supporting AEM Center resources for further study and exploration.

Start a conversation

UDL Rising to Equity: Join the Conversation

The UDL Rising to Equity Stakeholder Council and Advisory Board have wrapped up our first year, focusing on examining expert learning and engagement through an equity lens. Here are some questions that have emerged:

Is the current definition of expert learning too individualistic? Is the importance of collectively generating knowledge missing?
How might the Engagement Guidelines more fully prompt the design of dignity-affirming learning earning environments, where learners feel honored and valued?
How might joy and play be more fully represented?

Thoughts? Reactions? What questions are on your mind? Join the conversation on Twitter using the #UDLrising hashtag.

Honoring Joy’s Legacy

Photo of Joy Zabala’s two daughters and husband presenting at the ATIA event to honor their mother’s legacy. Joy’s photo appears on the screen next to the family.

Last month, a memorial celebration was held for Dr. Joy Smiley Zabala at the annual Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference. Friends and colleagues joined with Joy’s family to celebrate her legacy of contribution to the assistive technology field, especially her commitment to mentoring new professionals. To continue that legacy and commitment, please consider donating to the Joy Zabala Fellowship Fund or to apply for one of the mentorships the Fellowship will support. Applications for mentors and mentees are due March 15, 2022.

Learn more & donate now

Stories From Our Work

Sometimes the best way to learn more about what we do, why we do it, and how we do it, is by telling a story. Whether you want to find examples of UDL in other contexts, discover your next UDL read, or take a deep dive into the topics and practices that drive our work, these stories give you behind-the-scenes access. Our latest stories capture the groundbreaking state-wide we’re doing in New Hampshire, how Unlearning is an essential part of the learning process, and how we’re connecting young adults to STEM careers through our e-portfolio platform.

Learn through examples

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