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Tag: Inclusive technology

  • CAST and FETC Partner to Champion Inclusive Technology in Education

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    Online, December 9, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    CAST, a nonprofit leader in inclusive education, and the Future of Education Technology® Conference (FETC®) announced a groundbreaking partnership to advance inclusive technology practices in education. The collaboration will focus on FETC’s Inclusive Technology Conference Strand at the 2025 event, taking place January 14-17 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, as well as joint initiatives throughout the year.

    This partnership emphasizes the importance of addressing learner variability and supporting individuals with disabilities. During FETC, CAST will host the Inclusive Leaders Summit on January 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring national thought leaders and an engaging agenda designed to foster dialogue and collaboration. Participation in the summit is complimentary for registered FETC attendees.

    “CAST is honored to partner with FETC to champion systemic approaches to inclusive technology practices,” said Lindsay Jones, CEO of CAST. “The Inclusive Leaders Summit is a must-attend event for educators and administrators across EdTech, IT, assistive technology, and special education. Together, we’ll explore the latest trends, tools, and strategies for creating accessible, equitable learning environments. This is an unparalleled opportunity to drive meaningful change for students of all abilities.”

    Jennifer Womble, FETC Conference Chair, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Attending the Inclusive Summit at the Future of Educational Technology Conference is essential for educators and administrators to stay informed on Department of Justice rulings, new legislation, and policy changes impacting special education. This ensures they can implement the latest updates in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and integrate compliant, innovative practices that enhance accessibility and support for all students.”

    The summit will focus on practical resources for systemic change and the latest developments in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Attendees can look forward to sessions designed to explore assistive technology best practices and inclusive leadership practices and leave equipped with actionable strategies to create equitable, accessible learning environments.

    For CAST media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Kisha Barton, Senior Director of Communications, at kbarton@cast.org.

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    About CAST

    CAST is a nonprofit education organization that created the Universal Design for Learning framework and UDL Guidelines, now used the world over to make learning more inclusive. At the foundation of UDL are accessibility and educational materials. CAST also leads The Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES).

    About the Future of Education Technology® Conference (FETC®)

    The Future of Education Technology® Conference (FETC®) is the nation’s premier event for exploring cutting-edge educational technologies and best practices. Each year, FETC attracts thousands of K-12 education and technology leaders for immersive professional development and hands-on demonstrations. Featuring over 450 exhibitors, FETC empowers educators to integrate technology effectively across curricula and roles. For more information, visit www.FETC.org.

    Source: CAST

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  • CAST’s Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems Announces 2024-2028 State Partners

    CAST’s Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems Announces 2024-2028 State Partners

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    BOSTON, September 3, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    CAST’s Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) is excited to announce its 2024-2028 National Cohort of state partners, further advancing its mission to create inclusive education technology solutions in schools and districts nationwide. After a highly competitive selection process, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have been chosen to collaborate with CITES, each working closely with at least two local education agencies (LEAs) within their states to implement the CITES Framework for inclusive technology ecosystems.

    This initiative is powered by a second round of funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), ensuring that CITES can continue its vital work to enhance the effective use of assistive technology for students with disabilities. CITES will guide these states in developing coordinated, inclusive technology systems that bridge educational silos and meet the needs of every student, especially those with disabilities.

    Amy Rhone, Director of the Office of Special Education at the Nebraska Department of Education, expressed the state’s enthusiasm: “Nebraska is thrilled to partner with CITES to support its districts in developing coordinated efforts to implement seamlessly inclusive technology systems to support each student, including those with disabilities.”

    Lindsay Jones, CEO of CAST, highlighted the transformative impact of this collaboration: “The CITES intense technical assistance will provide the LEAs from the state cohorts with tools to develop streamlined inclusive technology practices, breaking through the educational silos that often hamper the delivery of those services to students with disabilities. We are committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, have access to the technology they need to succeed.”

    The CITES Framework, rooted in evidence-based practices, will continue to be a beacon for LEA teams, offering resources that promote collaboration across education technology, information technology, and assistive technology programs. These resources are openly licensed and readily available, empowering district leaders to tailor them to their specific needs while aligning with state-adopted frameworks such as the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

    In addition to its work with state partners, the CITES team will offer many learning and networking opportunities, including a dynamic community of practice for teams and individuals dedicated to fostering inclusive technology environments in their schools and districts. All educational leaders are encouraged to explore and leverage CITES resources to create more inclusive, effective, and technology-rich learning environments.

    For more information, visit our websites at www.cast.org and https://cites.cast.org/more/about. 

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    About CAST:
    CAST is a nonprofit education research and professional development and learning organization that created the Universal Design for Learning framework and UDL Guidelines, now used the world over to make learning more inclusive. At the foundation of UDL is accessibility and accessible educational materials, as such, CAST runs The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) and The Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES).

    Source: CAST

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