CAST at ATIA Conference 2026

Time & Location: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Magnolia 7 Room
Presenters: Mia Laudato; Kelli Suding; Hilary Goldthwait-Fowles; Leslie DiChiara; Elisa Wern

Explore how to create truly inclusive classrooms in the UDL Design Lab: Access by Design. This hands-on session equips educators with practical strategies to integrate Assistive Technology, EdTech, AI, and UDL principles into everyday instruction. Work alongside AT specialists to explore built-in accessibility tools, develop an actionable inclusion plan, and receive ongoing coaching support after the session. Discover how to move beyond accommodations to design learning environments where all students can thrive—by design, not by exception.

Time & Location: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Denver Room
Presenters: Luis Perez, Bill McCollam

This session will bring together a panel of experienced practitioners from the Workplace and AT Strand to explore how AI is actively shaping their current work in supporting employees with disabilities. Panelists will share practical insights and examples drawn from a variety of employment settings, including corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. They will highlight the tools they are using, the benefits they are seeing, and the ethical and logistical challenges they are navigating.

Time & Location: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Crystal K/L Room
Presenters: Christine Fox, Laura Kaloi, Brenda Del Monte, Kirsten Kohlmeyer, Mike Marotta

Recognizing that artificial intelligence (Al) is rapidly reshaping the future of education, career training, employment, and daily living, the White House and the Secretary of Education have established innovation in Al as a national priority. The session will level-set federal and state actions on Al and engage state/local experts and educators in a discussion about the impact on students with disabilities as users of Al-infused AT.

Time & Location: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Crystal F Room
Presenter: Luis Perez

Inclusive for people with disabilities. Featuring the photography and lived experience of a visually impaired photographer/disability advocate, the session will highlight adaptive technologies, inclusive design strategies, and practical approaches to reducing barriers in nature-based experiences—while celebrating creativity, independence, and connection with the natural world.

Time & Location: 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM, Crystal P/Q Room
Presenters: Mia Laudato; Brian Wojcik; Tammy Thompson-Cooke

What if the key to effective MTSS is hidden in the “million-dollar questions” we’re not asking? In this game show-inspired session, teams will compete to solve the biggest challenges in creating inclusive, tech-enabled systems of support. Grounded in findings from the MTSS and CITES Framework Literature Review, each round unlocks critical concepts—equity-centered infrastructure, accessible and assistive technology, and cross-role collaboration. Designed for district and state leaders, AT specialists, administrators, and teachers, this engaging session highlights how inclusive technology can transform MTSS from theory to action. Walk away with practical strategies, team-based tools, and a renewed commitment to supporting all learners.

Time & Location: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Crystal Ballroom Foyer
Presenters: Mia Laudato; Kelli Suding, Christine Fox

Tired of battling AT myths alone? Wish Granted! Discover free, turnkey Professional Learning Kits aligned with the 2024 federal AT Myths and Facts guidance. Developed by the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES), these accessible kits include slides, activities, and ready-to-use content across five key areas: IDEA Parts B & C, AT devices and services, deployment, and funding. Perfect for schools, districts, and family organizations, they empower teams to bust myths, deepen understanding, and scale AT knowledge. Whether for PD, webinars, or community outreach—everything you need is ready to go. And yes, it’s all free.