With guest podcast host, Allison Posey, this episode features Andratesha Fritzgerald, author of Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning. In honor of Black History Month, Andratesha shares how storytelling shapes education, inspires action, and creates meaningful learning experiences for all students. Together, they’ll explore the educators, experiences, and lessons that have fueled their passion for teaching and learning, and how UDL serves as a tool for creating more dynamic, responsive, and supportive learning environments. 

Transcript

Resources:

•  Building Blocks of Brilliance 

• CAST 

• UDL Guidelines 

• Live recording with full conversation 

This conversation with Dr. Hillary Goldthwait-Fowles explores the intersection of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and mental health, discussing how inclusive educational practices can support student well-being. The conversation highlights how UDL supports can help reduce stress, anxiety, and barriers to learning. 

Transcript

Resources:

•  A Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well 

• Wakelet: AT Supports for Mental Health 

• Hooray for Diffendoofer Day 

We chatted with Makenzie, a freshman high school student and a passionate advocate for students with dyslexia. She shares her journey of raising awareness through speaking to students and educators across the midwest, and presenting at national conferences. Makenzie discusses her experiences in the classroom, the importance of supporting neurodiverse learners, and her vision for a future where all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. 

Transcript

Resources:

•  CAST Website 

• Accessibility at CAST 

Discover how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) transforms teaching in this episode of Learning Through UDL Stories, hosted by Allison Posey. Special guest Jennifer L. Pusateri, author of Transform Your Teaching with Universal Design for Learning: Six Steps to Jumpstart Your Practice, shares six practical steps to help educators integrate UDL into their classrooms. Whether you’re new to UDL or looking to refine your approach, Jennifer offers actionable insights that educators can apply immediately. Tune in to explore real-world strategies and learn how to create flexible, student-centered learning environments.

Transcript

Resources:

•  Transform Your Teaching with Universal Design for Learning: Six Steps to Jumpstart Your Practice 

• Jennifer Pusateri website 

• Universal Design for Learning 

Kick off the new year with hosts Kelli Suding, Luis Pérez, and Bryan Dean as they dive into the latest in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, and the evolving role of assistive (artificial) intelligence. In this episode, they discuss emerging trends, real-world applications, and strategies for creating more inclusive learning experiences. Don't miss this insightful conversation on breaking down barriers!

Transcript

Resources:

• Accessibility at CAST⁠

• CAST Website 

• UDL-Con International 2025  

Welcome to Season 4 of The Learning Experience powered by CAST! Join hosts Kelli Suding, Luis Pérez, and Bryan Dean as they bring you inspiring conversations and real-world examples of breaking down barriers to learning. Each episode explores the latest innovations in accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), helping to create more equitable learning experiences for all. Hit subscribe and join us on this journey!  

S04E00_Transcript.docx

Resources:

CAST website at cast.org

In April 2024, the United States Department of Justice issued a final rule requiring state and local governmental entities — including early childhood, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions — to ensure web or mobile app-based digital learning resources are appropriate for and usable by students with disabilities. Join CAST’s AEM Center to break down the updates and requirements and what that means for schools.

Note: This is a podcast version of an AEMing for Access session on the Title II updates.

4 Key Takeaways:

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aem.cast.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for show notes. If you’re getting value out of this podcast, please share it with others and let us know by providing a rating and commenting wherever you get your podcasts!

The contents of this podcast were developed under a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Education, #H327Z190004. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer: Rebecca Sheffield, Ph.D.

We are excited to bring you this episode to wrap up Season 3 of the Accessible Learning Experience with a discussion of the updated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines. Universal Design for Learning is the framework CAST has pioneered over the last 40 years to assist educators in optimizing teaching and learning so that it works for everyone, and accessibility is a foundational component of UDL. We are lucky to have with us on this episode Jenna Gravel and Nicole Tucker Smith, who have led a community-focused, accessible and transparent process for ensuring the updated guidelines reflect the best thinking in the field as well as in the research literature. 

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aem.cast.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for show notes. If you’re getting value out of this podcast, please share it with others and let us know by providing a rating and commenting wherever you get your podcasts!

The contents of this podcast were developed under a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Education, #H327Z190004. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer: Rebecca Sheffield, Ph.D.

The correctional setting is one that is often overlooked when it comes to accessibility and inclusive learning opportunities, but it is a setting where these are most needed. On this episode, we are excited to welcome CAST Career and Technical Education and UDL trainer Donald Walker to the podcast. Donald is joined by Jennifer Montag, Director of Disability Services at Marion Technical College, which offers a number of programs that take place in a correctional setting. As Jennifer explains, programs that provide access to educational opportunities in correctional settings can have a positive impact not only on the lives of the individuals enrolled in those programs, but on the community that receives them once their term is over. In essence, we all benefit when those in corrections are able to grow and improve their lives through education.  

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aem.cast.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for show notes. If you’re getting value out of this podcast, please share it with others and let us know by providing a rating and commenting wherever you get your podcasts!

The contents of this podcast were developed under a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Education, #H327Z190004. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer: Rebecca Sheffield, Ph.D.

We are so excited to bring you this interview with Jordyn Zimmerman, a passionate educator and disability advocate who is currently the Head of Product Strategy at the Nora Project. Jordyn was diagnosed as autistic at a young age, but she did not receive access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)  until the age of 18. Her own lived experience  fuels her beliefs about leveraging tools and supports to drive change around inclusion for all learners.  Among her many accomplishments, Jordyn has twice been appointed to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities and her work has been published in the Boston Globe and the New York Times. 

Note: You will hear some long pauses between the question and Jordyn’s answer because we’ve done our best to preserve the authenticity of Jordyn’s communication experience. 

(00:00) Introduction

(01:21) Question 1 Accessibility Story

(06:55) Question 1 Response

(07:52) Question 2 Empowering Factors

(18:18) Question 2 Response

(20:05) Question 3 Impact of Technology

(26:55) Question 3 Response

(27:44) Question 4 Accessible Educational Materials

(33:32) Question 4 Response

(34:12) Question 5 Advice to Educators

(41:33) Question 5 Response

(42:30) Question 6 Contact Information

(45:33) Question 6 Response

(46:26) Closing

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠aem.cast.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ for show notes. If you’re getting value out of this podcast, please share it with others and let us know by providing a rating and commenting wherever you get your podcasts!

The contents of this podcast were developed under a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Education, #H327Z190004. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer: Rebecca Sheffield, Ph.D.