UDL-Con: International 2024: A Groundbreaking Success With UDL Guidelines 3.0 Launch

CAST is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of UDL-Con: International 2024, the world’s largest Universal Design for Learning (UDL) convention, which took place in Sacramento, CA, from July 30-31, 2024. The sold-out conference featured 87 sessions with over 155 presenters. This historic event marked the launch of the UDL Guidelines 3.0, attracting over 450 in-person attendees and thousands more online from 14 countries and 43 states to explore the latest advancements in inclusive education.

UDL-Con: International 2024 delivered remarkable moments:

• Keynote Addresses: Mirko Chardin shared insights on culturally connected teaching and the role of personal narratives in fostering equity, while Paula Kluth discussed her extensive experience in creating responsive learning environments for all students.
• Panel Discussions and Interactive Workshops: Thought-provoking conversations and engaging sessions demonstrating the innovative future of UDL.

Direct Quotes from UDL-Con: International

• Loui Lord Nelson, Anne Meyer UDL Design Award Recipient: “This conference has reignited my passion for teaching and provided practical strategies to make my classroom more inclusive. The new guidelines are a game-changer for educators everywhere.”
• Kavita Rao, David Rose UDL Research Award Recipient: “UDL-Con: International has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. The updated guidelines reflect CAST’s commitment to inclusive education.”
• Dara Ryder, UDL Innovative Practice Award Recipient: “The energy and enthusiasm at this conference were palpable. The UDL Guidelines 3.0 offers fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that will benefit all learners.”
• Donald Walker, Career & Technical Education Trainer at CAST: “UDL-Con and the 3.0 Guidelines remind us that learning is about providing space for ALL learners to be who they are.”

Insights from Leadership

CAST’s CEO, Lindsay Jones, stated, “We are delighted to unveil UDL Guidelines 3.0 at such a prestigious event. These guidelines reflect our ongoing dedication to creating inclusive learning environments. The positive feedback from UDL-Con: International participants underscores the need for our work.”

Co-Chair Reflections

Jenna Gravel, Interim Chief Research and Development Officer, and Co-chair expressed, “The collaborative spirit at UDL-Con: International was truly inspiring. This next iteration of the Guidelines symbolizes a collective effort across the UDL community, and we are excited to learn how these updated guidelines will be implemented in learning environments worldwide.”

Featured Workshop Sessions

• “Implementing UDL in Higher Education” – Hosted by Kavita Rao (In-Person)
• “Innovative Approaches to Accessible Learning” – Conducted by Dara Ryder (Online)
• “Engaging Students through UDL” – Facilitated by Loui Lord Nelson (In-Person)
• “Chances and Choices” – Presented by Andratesha Fritzgerald (Online)

Acknowledgment of Sponsors

UDL-Con: International 2024 was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Landmark College, ReadSpeaker, Savvas, Goalbook, 1EdTech, Cognitopia, Educating All Learners, Habitat Learn, Instructure, Seesaw, and Texthelp.

For more information, contact Kisha Barton, Senior Director of Communications, at kbarton@cast.org and visit www.cast.org.

Event Images

About CAST:

CAST is a nonprofit education organization that created the Universal Design for Learning framework and UDL Guidelines.