Wired for Equity: Bridging the Disability Gap in Classrooms

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 New America 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.

New America 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.