Presented by Luis Perez, Ph.D., Disability & Digital Inclusion Lead, CAST; Sharon Smith, Ed.D., Director of Special Education, Hampton Township School District (PA); and Christine Fox, CITES Project Director, CAST

Sponsored by Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems

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Watch this for a thought-provoking edLeader Panel where education leaders delve into the power of inclusive technology systems. Gain insights into the needs of students, including powerful assistive technologies (AT) to support learning goals and the critical need for accessible educational materials (AEM). We explore real-world examples, discuss the impact on all learners including those with disabilities, and highlight AT and AEM in action. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how inclusive technology systems break down barriers and empower learners.

The Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) framework, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, was co-developed with a cohort of diverse school districts across the country and provides tools and resources for district leaders to develop and maintain inclusive technology ecosystems. Check out the free, openly licensed resources to foster collaboration across EdTech and special education empowering school districts to create and sustain inclusive technology systems to serve all students.

This recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.

About the Presenters

As the Disability & Digital Inclusion Lead for CAST, Luis Perez, Ph.D. promotes the creation, delivery, and use of high-quality accessible educational materials and technologies to support equitable learning opportunities for all students. Dr. Perez is embedded with the Postsecondary and Workforce Development group at CAST, which works to increase access to middle- and high-income careers for populations underrepresented in the workforce, including people with disabilities. Dr. Perez‘s perspective is informed by his own lived experience as a person with a disability and multilingual learner.

Dr. Perez was recognized with an International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Making It Happen! Award in 2020 and as an Apple Distinguished Educator and Google Certified Innovator. He has published the following books: Mobile Learning for All, Dive into UDL, and Learning on the Go. In addition to his work in educational technology, Dr. Perez is an avid photographer whose work has been featured in a variety of magazines.

Dr. Sharon Smith is the Director of Special Education at the award-winning Hampton Township School District. Dr. Smith graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and elementary education from Allegheny College. She completed her master’s degree in special education and supervision at Slippery Rock University and her doctoral degree at Point Park University. Prior to Hampton, Dr. Smith was the Assistant Director of Special Education at Bethel Park and had also worked at both The Watson Institute and Children’s Institute. In those settings, she developed a keen interest in assistive technology and ways to help students access educational materials. Dr. Smith has a passion for working with students and establishing a culture where all stakeholders collaborate to improve outcomes for all students.

Christine Fox, MS is the Project Director of CAST’s CITES project. Prior to joining CAST, Christine was the Senior Director of External Relations for CoSN where she was responsible for professional advancement programs, corporate partnerships, and supported federal advocacy efforts. She spent over 16 years leading and growing SETDA, most notably as the Interim and Deputy Executive Director, where she charted the strategic direction of the organization. Throughout her time at SETDA, she facilitated the members’ professional learning opportunities including two annual conferences and monthly online events. In addition, she managed product development from conception to publication including Navigating the Digital Shift reports 2015–2019, the Broadband Imperative report series 2012-2019, and the Guide to Quality Instructional Materials. Christine’s background is in teaching and professional development with experience as a classroom teacher, ELL coordinator, reading coach, and curriculum developer.

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The goal of the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) is to empower school districts to create and sustain inclusive technology systems that serve all students, including students with disabilities who require assistive technology or accessible educational materials. CITES is developing and disseminating a framework of evidence-based practices, aligned to the National Educational Technology Plan (2017) to enhance the successful use of technology by all students. We provide technical assistance to districts, educators, and families to ensure that students with disabilities are able to use the technology tools they need to foster learning and life success.