UDL-Con at Spring Forward 2027, powered by CALIE
March 18, 2027 - March 20, 2027
*Use code CAST27 to receive complimentary access to the CAST UDL Credential Level 1 ($50 value)
Universal Design for Learning, accessibility, and inclusive educational innovation return to Palm Springs
Following the successful launch of UDL-Con at Spring CUE 2026, CAST and CALIE (California Association for Leading Innovation in Education) are continuing their partnership for Spring Forward 2027, taking place March 18-20, 2027, in Palm Springs, California. The expanded collaboration will bring together district administrators, educators, school leaders, instructional coaches, and technology innovators to explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, and inclusive technology can improve outcomes for all learners.
We’re excited to launch new UDL experiences at Spring Forward 2027. In 2027, you can expect:
- Two dedicated UDL session rooms throughout the conference
- Sessions led by CAST experts, district leaders, and classroom practitioners
- Research-based strategies to remove barriers and design for learner variability
- Practical tools that integrate UDL with instructional innovation and technology
- A focus on building expert learners—purposeful, resourceful, and motivated
You’ll find CAST’s preconference workshops, along with numerous dynamic sessions and interactive learning experiences. CAST and the community will bring UDL to life by sharing practical strategies and resources that make learning more inclusive, adaptable, and accessible to all.
Register for UDL-Con at Spring Forward 2027
UDL-Con sessions are included with Spring Forward 2027 registration. CALIE membership is not required to register or attend the conference. Non-members can purchase CALIE membership during checkout for $50.
- Spring Forward 2027 Registration (Member): $570
- Spring Forward 2027 Registration (Non-Member): $693
- Preconference Workshop Registrations: $250
Note: You must create a free account before you’re able to register. After creating the account, you will be able to see registration options.
Register for Spring Forward 2027 Today*
*Use discount code CAST27 when registering to receive complimentary access to the CAST UDL Credential Level 1 ($50 value).
UDL-Con Preconference Workshops
CAST is offering two pre-conference workshops on March 17, 2027, the day before Spring Forward 2027 begins.
When: March 17, 2027 · 10am-3pm
Price: $250 (stand-alone; no conference pass required)
Accessibility can feel complex, but it doesn’t have to be. This preconference breaks down the essentials of accessible educational materials and assistive/accessible technology and shows how they work together with Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Through guided discussion, examples, and practical application, participants will build a clearer understanding of how accessibility supports learner variability and strengthens everyday instruction. Walk away with actionable ideas and strategies for designing learning that works for all learners from the start.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand and identify how accessible materials and technologies support diverse learners
- Recognize common barriers in educational materials and learning environments
- Apply practical accessibility strategies to instructional design and teaching
- Leave with actionable ideas for creating more inclusive learning experiences
When: March 17, 2027 · 10am-3pm
Price: $250 (stand-alone; no conference pass required)
This session provides an overview of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a research-based framework that supports inclusive and flexible teaching practices. Participants will explore the foundational principles of UDL, examine the UDL Guidelines, and apply them to real classroom examples by observing and analyzing teaching videos through a UDL lens. The workshop culminates in a hands-on activity where participants design or redesign a lesson using the UDL Lesson Designer, ensuring that learning experiences are accessible and engaging for all students. Whether you’re new to UDL or an experienced leader, this workshop will help you deepen your understanding and strengthen your ability to implement UDL effectively. Administrators will deepen their understanding of the research of UDL and implementation practices, educators have the opportunity to reflect on their teaching and enhance lessons with UDL.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the core principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and explain how learner variability influences instructional design
- Analyze learning experiences through a UDL lens to identify barriers and opportunities for increasing access, participation, and engagement
- Use the UDL Guidelines to make informed instructional decisions that support diverse learner needs, strengths, and preferences
- Apply the UDL design process to create or enhance a lesson that provides flexible pathways for engagement, representation, and action & expression
- Reflect on how UDL practices can foster learner agency, belonging, and meaningful participation in learning environments
Interested in sponsoring UDL-Con at Spring Forward 2027?
Contact Christine Fox to learn about available opportunities.
Stay tuned for UDL-Con at Spring Forward session titles, speaker announcements, and full descriptions.
Find More Events
