Wired for Equity: Bridging the Disability Gap in Classrooms
- Virtual
- 12PM – 1:30PM EDT
The 2026 digital divide in education is increasingly about access. Technology designed with accessibility in mind, especially for learners with disabilities is key to overcoming barriers from K-12 to higher education. Yet recent policy changes, like the delay of the Department of Justice’s web accessibility rule, create barriers to reaching major milestones in accessible education. Compliance alone is not enough. For millions of learners with disabilities the rise of AI-driven learning and hybrid classrooms presents both opportunities and risks of further exclusion.
This event cohosted by Âé¶¹¹û¶³´«Ã½ and CAST will convene educators, policy experts, and technology leaders to discuss what matters in design, practices, and policies so Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can move from a framework to a practical application in supporting access in classrooms. The panels will explore how educators are utilizing emerging AI tools to scale accessibility, the impact of recent federal funding shifts on special education research, and how to design accessible curricula that meet all learners’ needs.
Âé¶¹¹û¶³´«Ã½ strives to make this webinar inclusive for all participants. CART and ASL will be provided throughout the duration of the webinar. Please request any additional accommodations on the event registration form.
Event Co-host

Speakers
Saran Tugsjargal
Student and NCLD Council Member
Chris Bugaj
Inclusive Educational Experience Designer, Loudoun County Public Schools
Anna Fedewa
Social Impact Fellow with the Teaching, Learning, and Tech program
Michelle Soriano
Professional Learning and Implementation Specialist, CAST
Camila Franco
Vice President of Product, ASSISTments
Erin Mote
Chief Executive Officer, InnovateEDU
Moderators
Carrie Gillispie
Project Director, Early Development & Disability
An-Me Chung
Director, Teaching, Learning & Tech & Strategic Advisor, Education & Work
Lindsay Jones
Chief Executive Officer, CAST