The Learning Experience

In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), this episode explores why accessibility matters and how each of us can help create more inclusive learning and digital environments.  We are joined by an accessibility expert and recent PhD graduate, Dr. Wendy Velez-Torres, who shares her journey into the field, the passion that drives her work, and how her research is helping move accessibility forward. Together, we discuss common misconceptions about accessibility, practical steps organizations can take to improve access, and how designing accessibility in mind benefits everyone.  TranscriptResources:LinkedIn OER Resources 

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a CAST-led focus group exploring accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in educational technology, specifically within assessment practices. Our guests share why they took a unique, UDL-informed approach to designing the focus group experience and what it really means to apply UDL to stakeholder engagement. Whether you're designing tools, shaping policy, or facilitating conversations, this episode offers a powerful look at how designing for variability leads to better outcomes for everyone. TranscriptResources:CAST UDL Guidelines 

In this bonus episode, Bryan chats with Anya Evmenova, the UDL‑Con 2025 David Rose Research Award winner, about her work advancing Universal Design for Learning through research and practice. Anya shares how her research connects to real learning experiences, why accessibility and evidence matter in everyday design decisions, and what it means to be recognized with the David Rose Research Award. Along the way, they reflect on lessons from the field and where UDL‑aligned research and innovation are headed next. TranscriptResources:UDL Awards WEGO technology-based writing intervention package Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities UDL Reporting Criteria Assistive Technology Outcomes & Benefits 

This episode is brought to you by ReadSpeaker. Learn more about how ReadSpeaker aligns with UDL. In this episode, we talk with Matt Winters, a leader from the Utah State Board of Education about how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of teaching and learning. We explore Utah’s statewide approach to AI, what it means for educators and students, and how schools can balance innovation with responsibility. This conversation offers practical insights and big-picture thinking for anyone curious about the role of AI in education. TranscriptResources:USBE Artificial Intelligence ReadSpeaker and UDL  Featured Episode: Listen Next on The Learning ExperienceExplore how Utah is building one of the most forward‑looking AI strategies in K–12 and what it means for teaching, learning, and equity in the classroom. Hear from Matt Winters, AI Education Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education, about practical implications for educators, students, and responsible innovation in schools—and then bring these insights back to your own context. This special episode is sponsored by ReadSpeaker. Listen here: https://bit.ly/414xe6l 

In this bonus episode, Bryan sits down with Michelle Ring-Hanson and JoAnn Miller to explore their long‑standing UDL work in Wisconsin and the practical systems they’ve built to support inclusive teaching. The conversation highlights their UDL Mentor Toolkit, how it supports educators in translating UDL into daily practice, and what it means to be recognized with a UDL‑Con 2025 Innovative Practice Award. Together, they share lessons from the field, reflections on mentorship, and what’s next for scaling UDL‑aligned innovation. Transcript Resources:UDL Implementation Trials Mentor Toolkit (Open source, must sign up) UDL Awards

In this insightful episode, Kelli, Bryan and Luis talk with Elizabeth Hitches, an educator and researcher passionate about building truly inclusive learning environments. Elizabeth shares her own accessibility journey, from realizing how often access is overlooked in education to intentionally designing learning experiences that make every student feel valued and considered. Together, they unpack the importance of addressing both apparent and non-apparent disabilities, exploring how proactive, Universal Design for Learning (UDL)-informed choices, like recording lectures or adding captions, reduce barriers and benefit all learners. Elizabeth also shares her research on academic stress, highlighting how accessibility and co-designing with students can reduce stressors before they arise. This conversation invites educators to rethink accessibility not as an add-on, but as a foundation for equitable, human-centered teaching. TranscriptResources:Recent conference presentation Google scholar 

When most people hear “ergonomics,” they often think of office chairs and adjustable desks, but in education, it’s so much more. In this episode, Kelli and Luis sit down with an occupational therapist, Elisa Wern, who supports students with complex communication and physical needs to explore how ergonomics and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) intersect.  From posture, positioning, and classroom setup to how learners physically access assistive technology, this conversation dives into the small ergonomic changes that make a big impact on participation, comfort, and engagement for all learners. You’ll walk away with practical, UDL-aligned tips you can implement tomorrow to make your learning space work better for every body. TranscriptResources:Elisa Wern: elisa@atotcc.comInfographic Ergonomics 101 Backpack Awareness 

In this episode, hosts Kelli and Luis sit down with accessibility expert David Berman to explore what it truly means to have “the power to include everyone.” Together, they unpack how accessibility can and should be designed without tradeoffs, making inclusion an intentional part of every system and space. David breaks down the upcoming ADA Title II updates and what they mean for schools and public institutions, while also shining light on global accessibility shifts happening in Europe and beyond. TranscriptResources:David Berman’s article on Accessible Online Meetings  David Berman’s GAAD 2025 keynote presentation for higher education (featuring the upcoming ADA deadlines named in the Title II Final Rule) David Berman’s crowdsourced, curated eAccessibility Library David’s Do Good Design book, published in 7 languages 

In this conversation, we sat down with Alexis Reid, an educational therapist, executive function expert, and longtime member of the UDL family. Alexis shares how she first connected with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and why it continues to shape her work and advocacy. Together, we unpack what executive functioning really means, why it matters across the lifespan, and how educators and caregivers can nurture these skills in practical ways.  Alexis also reflects on her recent CAST book, offering 2–3 key takeaways that listeners can put into practice right away. We then explore the exciting and sometimes complicated role of AI in supporting executive functioning, and how it can either empower or create barriers for learners.  We close with a hopeful look ahead, considering what the future of learning could hold when UDL, executive functioning, and technology come together to dismantle barriers and create more inclusive environments for all learners. TranscriptResources:Reid Connect Reid Connect-ED Podcast LinkedIn Supporting Student Executive Functions: Insights & Strategies for Educators by CAST Publishing @RafaTheVizsla 

In this episode, we sit down with Kris Astle from SMART Technologies and Dr. Matt Harrison from the University of Melbourne to explore research centered on neurodivergent student voices. We discuss why these learners are rarely consulted in technology design and delivery, and how their feedback shaped 36 actionable recommendations. Together, we unpack how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles intersect with neurodiversity-affirming practices, ensuring technology truly supports agency, inclusion, and success. TranscriptResources:Dismantling barriers for neurodivergent learners Research in Action: How to Get Started in Your Classroom 36 Recommendations for Inclusive Classroom Experiences UDL Guidelines