CAST at ISTE Live 26

CAST at ISTELive 26

ISTELive 26, taking place June 28–July 1 in Orlando, brings together thousands of educators, researchers, and innovators from around the world to explore solutions to today’s most pressing challenges in education. CAST is proud to be part of this year’s event through the Solutions Summit, the Inclusive Playground, and a range of sessions highlighting AI, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Find out more at the ISTE Live website and connect with CAST via the sessions below.

Sunday, June 28th

Solutions Summit | ISTE X 

The Solutions Summit at the 2026 co-located ISTELive + ASCD Annual Conference on Sunday, June 28, will bring together education technology leaders, innovators, and experts to share best practices and insights, workshop new ideas, and network. You won’t want to miss this year’s event! 

The Solutions Summit is an unparalleled opportunity for forging new connections, learning, and collaboration, all aimed at enhancing teaching and learning through advancing technology. 

Speakers: 

• Richard Culatta, CEO, ISTE + ASCD 
• Lindsay Jones, CEO, CAST 
• Todd Bloom, Senior Advisor to the CEO, ISTE+ASCD 
• Peter Gault, Founder & Executive Director, Quill.org 
• Dr. Patricia Brown, Director of Technology, Ladue School District 
• Michelle Culver, Founder, The Rithm Project 
• Dr. LaTonya M Goffney, Superintendent of Schools, Aldine Independent School District 
• Jose Dotres, Superintendent, Miami-Dade County Public Schools 
• David DeSchryver, Senior Vice President and Co-Director of Research, Whiteboard  

Session Time & Location: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Orange County Convention Center – W110AB

Breakfast: Fueling Inclusive Design: A Conversation on Accessibility, UDL, and Product Impact 

Start your morning with a conversation about how solution providers are being called to design products that are not only innovative—but inclusive, accessible, and aligned to address learner variability as the norm.  

Panelists will share lessons from the field, practical strategies, and common pitfalls—along with how structured supports can build internal knowledge, strengthen design practices, and enhance credibility with educators and partners. Attendees will gain insights into what effective implementation looks like, how to avoid common missteps, plus engage with one another on how their organizations are addressing accessibility and UDL alignment including Title II compliance. 

Invitation only: If you are a solution provider interested in attendance, please email Christine Fox -CAST

Monday, June 29

STEAM Without Limits: Perspectives on Access and Innovation 

This panel brings together experts to discuss strategies for increasing access and innovation in STEAM education. They’ll cover evidence-informed design, implementation examples, and systemic supports. The focus is on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and technology-enabled practices aligned with ISTE Standards to expand participation for diverse learners. 

Panel Members:

• Joe Hodge, Sr. Technical Quality Assurance Analyst, APH 
• Luis Perez, Disability and Accessibility Director, CAST  
• Kim Smith, Computer Science & Design Thinking STEAM Teacher/ Systems Admin/Technology Coordinator St Raphael School Moderator 
• Dr. Tiffanie Zaugg, AT/AI Specialist Central Rivers Area Education Agency 

Session Time & Location: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Orange County Convention Center – W206A 

Playground: UDL in Action: Design for Engagement and Agency  

Part of the Playground: Play, Create, Connect Playground: A Universal Learning Space. This interactive session showcases how playful design and UDL support accessible, engaging learning. Participants will explore low and high tech tools alongside instructional strategies that reduce barriers while supporting learner choice, engagement, and productive struggle. Through hands-on activities, participants will experience how flexible materials, accessible digital tools. The session models inclusive classroom practices that offer multiple entry points, honor learner variability and learner agency and make engagement accessible without increasing complexity for educators. 

Panel Members:

• Lisa Berghoff, Director of Instructional Technology, Highland Park High School, PA 
• Michelle Soriano, Professional Learning Specialist, ISTE 
• Mia Laudato, Co-Project Director, CAST 

Session Time & Location: 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Orange County Convention Center

Strengthening Accessibility and Inclusivity with Hybrid AI 

What happens when the power of AI meets the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to increase accessible and inclusive learning opportunities? Join us to explore strategies for removing barriers and creating more inclusive environments, all while keeping data privacy and security front and center.

Presenter:

Mia Laudato, Co-Project Director, CITES at CAST

Session Time & Location: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Orange County Convention Center- Lenovo Room

Accessible by Design: Leveraging AI for Inclusive Learning 

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping how we think about education, presenting both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. When applied thoughtfully, AI can enhance accessibility and foster more inclusive learning environments. This panel will explore how leaders can leverage AI to reduce barriers, support learner variability, and create equitable opportunities for success. Participants will examine how AI can extend the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by offering multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression and purposefully enhance student engagement and metacognition. We will also address critical considerations such as bias, transparency, privacy and productive struggle to ensure that AI enhances inclusion and academic access rather than reinforcing inequities. Panelists will share practical strategies and participants will engage in dialogue to share their experiences. This session will provide actionable insights to help you responsibly harness AI for more inclusive and human-centered teaching and learning.

Panel Members: 

• Christine Fox, Chief Growth Officer and Co- Project Director, CAST 
• Rayna Freedman, Teacher, Mansfield/Jordan Jackson 
• Lindsay Jones, CEO, CAST 
• Mike Marotta, Assistive Technology Director ATAC, Disability Rights New Jersey 
• Luis Perez, Disability and Accessibility Director, CAST 

Session Time & Location: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Orange County Convention Center- Lenovo Room

Get more session details at ISTELive 26