CAST Café
CAST Café is a free, informal monthly gathering where educators, leaders, researchers, accessibility professionals, designers, and advocates can meet with our Accessibility Specialists to explore timely topics related to inclusive education, accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) focused learning opportunities.
Join the conversation. Share ideas. Learn together.
How are you approaching UDL and accessibility in your classroom or organization? Whether you are looking for fresh professional learning ideas, navigating a specific inclusion challenge, or simply eager to share a successful strategy with peers, you don’t have to do it alone.
Welcome to the CAST Café—a free, monthly online gathering where educators, creators, and advocates connect. Each month, we brew up a timely topic, share a few insider resources from the CAST Accessibility Team, and hand the mic over to you. CAST Café is where the inclusive education community comes together to explore ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another.
CAST Café at a Glance
When: The first Thursday of each month (September to May)
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 pm PT / 4:00 to 5:00 pm ET
Where: Live via Zoom (Sessions are never recorded to ensure an open, authentic, and welcoming space for dialogue).
The 2026-27 season of CAST Café begins on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The “blend of the month” (topic) will be highlighted in advance. Visit the registration page for all upcoming dates. We look forward to seeing you there!
Have an idea for a topic? Let us know by filling out this quick form, or share it with us on Twitter/X at @CAST_UDL or Bluesky @cast-udl.bsky.social and the tag #AEM4All.
What to Expect from Your Monthly Visit
Unlike traditional webinars where you sit back and watch slide decks, CAST Café is a live, informal community of practice designed to be conversational rather than lecture-based. We intentionally keep this space relaxed and completely unrecorded to foster open exchange and reflection.
When you join us each month, you can expect to:
- Dive into timely topics surrounding UDL implementation, accessible educational materials (AEM), and inclusive technology.
- Hear from guest speakers and community thought leaders who drop in to spark meaningful, real-world discussions around the month’s theme.
- Ask questions and share experiences with a passionate network of peers who are committed to designing learning environments that work for everyone.
- Crowdsource solutions to your current professional hurdles and walk away with practical strategies you can use right away.
- Speak candidly and connect authentically in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Who Should Join the CAST Café Community?
If you are passionate about reducing learning barriers, you belong here. Our community includes:
- Pre-K–12 Educators, Administrators, and Instructional Coaches
- Higher Education Faculty and Researchers
- Accessibility Professionals and Technology Leaders
- Professional Learning Specialists and Policymakers
Meet our Accessibility Experts
The CAST Accessibility Team brings together decades of national leadership experience and deep-rooted expertise to pioneer UDL and advance inclusive education. As recognized authors, award-winning educators, and former state specialists, they seamlessly integrate cutting-edge assistive technology into daily practice to dismantle learning barriers from Pre-K to the workforce. Connect with them and gain their expert insights live at the monthly CAST Cafe series!
- Luis Pérez, Senior Director of Disability and Accessibility (Certified Professional in Web Accessibility)
- Kelli Suding, Professional Learning and Implementation Specialist (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies)
- Michelle Soriano, Professional Learning and Implementation Specialist (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies)
- Mia Laudato, Project Director, CITES at CAST
